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.