Question

In what sense is the Maya collapse a warning for those living today?

A) It highlights the importance of advanced technological solutions to prevent societal collapse.
B) It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of environmental degradation and resource depletion.
C) It emphasizes the need for centralized government control to ensure social stability.
D) It suggests that economic growth is the key factor in preventing societal collapse.

Answer 1

The Maya collapse serves as a warning highlighting the dangers of environmental degradation and unsustainable resource exploitation, which can lead to societal collapse.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of lessons from past civilizations, the Maya collapse serves as a warning for those living today in several ways. One significant lesson it offers is a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of environmental degradation and resource depletion.

Evidence from the Maya civilization indicates that factors such as deforestation, soil erosion, and the pressure of maintaining high agricultural yields amidst a changing climate contributed to their downfall.

The manner in which the Classic Maya culture began to decline around the 9th century CE, with war, malnutrition, and competition for resources driving people away from their cities, can be seen as reflecting the dangers that our current society might face if we continue to overexploit our environment and fail to manage our resources sustainably.

Therefore, the answer to the student's question would be: B) It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of environmental degradation and resource depletion.