Final answer:
The synthesis of rediscovered knowledge and active exploration during the colonial period and the Industrial Revolution primarily led to technological advancements that transformed human society and its relationship with the natural environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The combination of the rediscovered past and a productive present, epitomized by a period of intense exploration, often leads to technological advancements. The impetus for discovery during the colonial era and the advent of the Industrial Revolution contributed to significant technological developments that facilitated human capacity to alter the environment and satisfy various needs and desires. This era also saw a burgeoning recognition of human impacts on the environment, as reflected in the diverse concerns of philosophers, scientists, and artists of the time.
Technological innovation is a product of both invention and the subsequent adaptations and improvements made to existing technology. This cycle of innovation and advancement often results in economic growth, improved quality of life, and the expansion of human societies. Moreover, technological progress is closely tied with the expansion of cities and development of more complex and advanced industries, stemming from cultural values that prioritize hard work and success.
Therefore, the answer to "What did the combination of rediscovered past and productive present lead to? (exploration leads to expansion)" is a) Technological advancements.