Question

What evidence suggests the Maya were responding to and actively managing their environment to prevent degradation?

A) The presence of advanced irrigation systems.
B) The absence of any significant environmental changes.
C) Evidence of sustainable agricultural practices.
D) The reliance on deforestation for agricultural expansion.

Answer 1

The Maya civilization exhibited sustainable agricultural practices such as advanced irrigation systems, terracing to prevent soil erosion, and aquaculture for natural fertilization, demonstrating their active environmental management.

Step-by-step explanation:

The evidence suggesting that the Maya were responding to and actively managing their environment to prevent degradation aligns with option C) Evidence of sustainable agricultural practices.

The Mayans constructed advanced irrigation systems and implemented terracing techniques in mountainous areas to combat soil erosion. Furthermore, they utilized aquaculture, breeding fish to use as natural fertilizers along with water plants and algae to enrich the soil.

These practices indicate that the Maya were cognizant of their environmental impact and took proactive steps to sustain their agricultural operations without causing long-term damage to their ecosystem.