Question

Indigenous peoples in the _____ region grew the "three sisters" crops — corn, squash, and beans.  a. southwest  b. southeast  c. plateau  d. northeast

Answer 1

The "Three Sisters" crops — corn, squash, and beans — were cultivated by Indigenous peoples in the northeast region, particularly by the Haudenosaunee or Iroquois people.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Indigenous peoples in the northeast region cultivated the "Three Sisters" crops — corn, squash, and beans. The Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois people, from the northern part of New York State are well-known for practicing this form of intercropping, where the three crops are planted in proximity to aid each other's growth. Each plant offers a unique benefit to the others: squash covers the soil preventing weeds and conserving moisture, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which is crucial for plant growth, and corn provides a structure for the beans to climb. This agricultural method not only had practical benefits but also had cultural and spiritual significance for the Haudenosaunee people.

Answer 2

Indigenous peoples in the northeast region were known for growing corn, squash, and beans, using an intercropping method, famously practiced by the Haudenosaunee people.

Step-by-step explanation:

Indigenous peoples in the northeast region grew the "three sisters" crops—corn, squash, and beans. The practice of cultivating these plants in close proximity so that they can benefit from each other is known as intercropping. This method was highly efficient, for it enhanced the growth of the crops due to their complementary characteristics. The Haudenosaunee people, also known as the Iroquois or Six Nations, are an example of a group that successfully utilized this agricultural technique in the northeast region of what is today the United States.

The Haudenosaunee's Three Sisters cultivation method involved planting these crops together in mounds, with each plant providing distinct benefits to the others. Corn provided a structure for beans to climb, beans fixed nitrogen in the soil to nourish all three plants, and the squash leaves created a microenvironment that conserved soil moisture and deterred weeds. This intercropping technique not only produced a balanced diet but also represented a significant cultural and spiritual component to the Indigenous peoples.