Final answer:
Codices fulfilled the same role in the Mayan civilization that clay seals filled in Harappa. (Option A)
Step-by-step explanation:
The emergence of advanced civilizations in Meso and South America, such as the Maya civilization, differed from the four early river valley civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China). While the river valley civilizations heavily relied on river systems for agriculture and trade, Mesoamerican and South American civilizations like the Maya developed in regions with different environmental factors and agricultural practices. The Mayan civilization, for example, flourished in the dense rainforests of Mesoamerica and utilized advanced agricultural techniques like slash-and-burn farming.
Regarding the Mayan use of codices, these were ancient books or manuscripts containing hieroglyphic writing and detailed information about various aspects of Mayan life, including astronomy, religion, and history. In contrast, clay seals in Harappa, part of the Indus Valley Civilization, were primarily used for administrative and economic purposes, signifying ownership or validating transactions.
The Mayan civilization employed codices for recording and preserving information, serving a role distinct from the administrative function of clay seals in Harappa, showcasing the diverse cultural and technological developments in different ancient civilizations.