Final answer:
Teotihuacán is known for its Avenue of the Dead, Pyramid of the Sun and Moon, and Temple of Quetzalcoatl, with symmetrical and geometric design. Tikal, a Maya city, had large pyramid structures adapted to the lowland environment, with a focus on access to water. Both cities were monumental but had different layouts and adaptations based on geography and environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Main Defining Features of Teotihuacán and Tikal
Teotihuacán was a Mesoamerican city characterized by its large stone temples and structures aligned with the north-south direction known as the Avenue of the Dead. Prominent features include the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which are multitiered structures, standing at 197 and 141 feet tall, respectively. In addition, the Citadel and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl highlight the city's grandeur with colorful frescoes depicting religious and militaristic themes. The city was a hub for crafts and agricultural trade across a vast region.
Tikal, on the other hand, was part of the ancient Maya civilization and featured a similar skyline with large pyramid-like structures. However, Tikal's urban planning was greatly influenced by the need for access to water for drinking and irrigation. Large pyramid structures were built amidst cleared jungle spaces, often near large shallow lakes, in response to the environmental constraints of the region's lowlands. Sustainable agricultural practices such as slash-and-burn were used to support the urban populations.
While both cities were marked by their monumental architecture and served as important cultural and trade centers, their urban layouts and adaptations to environmental conditions differed. Teotihuacán's design emphasized symmetrical and geometrical precision, while Tikal's was shaped more by natural topography and water access.