Final answer:
The people of Thamud hamstrung the she-camel by cutting its legs at the joints. Camels were vital for transport and trade in desert regions due to their unique adaptations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The people of Thamud are mentioned in Islamic tradition, and they famously hamstrung the she-camel sent to them by the prophet Salih as a test. The correct answer is option a.), they cut the she-camel's legs at the joints. This act of defiance led to their eventual downfall as a punishment from God, according to the Quran. Camels were incredibly important in Arab societies and other desert-nomadic cultures, serving as a means of transport across harsh environments, such as the Sahara Desert. The camel's physiology, including its unique splayed foot and ability to go long periods without water, made it indispensable for desert travel and trade in regions like North Africa and the Middle East.