Final answer:
Elevation in South America affects agriculture by determining which crops can be grown at various altitudes, with crops like potatoes, maize, and barley thriving in cooler highland environments and other products such as soybeans, coffee, and sugarcane growing in lower, warmer regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The elevation in South America has a profound impact on agricultural practices and the types of food crops grown. The varied ecological zones created by the Andes' elevation allow for diverse agricultural production. In the Tierra Fria, or Cold Land, crops such as wheat, barley, potatoes, and maize are cultivated, advantageous in the cooler temperatures and shorter growing seasons found at higher elevations.
Aside from the highlands, other regions such as the Mato Grosso Plateau and the Pampas are significant agricultural zones. These areas are conducive to the growth of soybeans, grain crops, coffee, sugarcane, and are also ideal for cattle ranching. These products are influenced by factors such as soil quality and rainfall, aside from elevation.
Traditional Andean societies have incorporated crops like potatoes, maize, and grains into their diets, visible in rural and Amerindian areas. Meanwhile, coastal regions, like those involving the Cupisnique and Paracas cultures, capitalized on different resources such as seafood, trading with highland cultures to diversify their diets.