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Identify two ways the Inca adapted to their environment to meet their needs.

a) Terraced farming on mountainsides
b) Nomadic lifestyle
c) Fishing in the Amazon River
d) Building underground shelters

User Noriaki
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The Inca adapted to their mountainous environment through terraced farming and innovative irrigation systems, which increased agricultural productivity and supported their large population.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Inca civilization developed several methods of adapting to their challenging environment, particularly within the Andes mountains. Two notable ways the Inca adapted were:

  • Terraced farming on mountainsides: By carving terraces into steep slopes, the Inca managed to create flat arable land that allowed them to support a large population with various crops, despite the rugged terrain.
  • Irrigation systems and agricultural diversity: These terraces also featured sophisticated irrigation and drainage systems, and they made it possible to grow different types of crops by creating micro-climates. This, in turn, contributed to their capacity for storing surplus food and managing resources effectively.

The utilization of terraced farming, in particular, was a significant adaptation that maximized agricultural productivity and sustained the empire's population, helping them to become one of the most powerful civilizations of their time.

User Ivan Schwarz
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