Final answer:
Maya cities with advanced water management systems were more resilient during droughts because of their infrastructure for irrigation, terraced agriculture, and strategic positioning next to shallow lakes for water access.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Maya cities that exhibited a pattern of resilience to drought were primarily those with advanced water management systems. These systems included raised irrigated fields, creating canals, and breeding certain types of fish for use as fertilizer in addition to water plants and algae.
The Maya also utilized terracing techniques in mountainous areas to provide flat areas for planting. Major cities like El Mirador, Tikal, and Calakmul were built next to large, shallow lakes to ensure access to water for drinking and irrigation, especially in the lowlands where rainfall could be insufficient for their needs. Hence, option C) Cities with advanced water management systems is the correct answer.
While proximity to rivers and large populations may seem like factors contributing to resilience, over-reliance on a single water source or the challenges posed by unpredictable waterways, like those in Mesopotamia, underscore the importance of developed infrastructures for water management in sustaining urban centers during periods of drought.