Final answer:
Admiral Zheng He, serving the Ming dynasty during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, conducted seven significant naval expeditions, which led to the acquisition of a giraffe and other treasures. These voyages ceased after Zheng He's death, influenced by factors including fiscal conservatism and isolationism. The correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
Zheng He was an Admiral of the Sea who made his historic expeditions under the dynasty of the Ming. Specifically, during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, the third emperor of the Ming dynasty, Zheng He led seven naval expeditions between 1405 and 1433.
One of the most noteworthy events from these voyages was the return of a giraffe from Africa, which was later given to the Yongle emperor by the sultan of Bengal. These expeditions were aimed at demonstrating China's wealth and power, and extracting tribute from foreign rulers.
Admiral Zheng He's fleet collected a variety of goods, such as ivory, spices, and exotic animals, including giraffes and zebras. However, after his death and due to other considerations, the Ming dynasty ultimately ceased these costly expeditions and the naval fleet fell into disrepair.
The reasons for this decision were multifaceted, including Zhu Zanji's spirit of isolationism and a desire to conserve financial resources, rather than competition with European powers like the French, as they were not yet active in the region.