Question

What does the author describe in the passage?

A. why the Ancestral Pueblo people transitioned to an agricultural lifestyle
B. the development of pottery in Ancestral Pueblo culture
C. Cliff Palace, the largest of the cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo people
D. basket weaving techniques from the “Late Basketmaker II” period

Answer 1

The passage describes various aspects of the Ancestral Pueblo people, including their buildings, kivas, and the factors contributing to the abandonment of their towns. It also mentions the development of pottery in their culture.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage describes several aspects of the Ancestral Pueblo people and their culture. It mentions that the Anasazi, who were one of the earliest Southwestern groups, emerged in the Four Corners area and produced large apartment-like buildings and kivas, which were ceremonial centers. The passage also discusses the abandonment of many Ancestral Puebloan towns and villages, attributing it to factors such as climatic changes, new peoples moving into the area, and religious turmoil. It also mentions that the Anasazi migrated further south and joined modern Pueblo cultures. Additionally, it provides information about the development of pottery in Ancestral Pueblo culture, including the evolution of clay decorations to elaborate pottery with black drawing on white clay.

Answer 2

C. Cliff Palace, the largest of the cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Step-by-step explanation:

W. M. Akers' "Cliff Dwellers" talks about the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings of the Native Americans. These structures, dwelling spaces carved into the sides of a mountain provide a great archaeological site, providing an insight into the life of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

The whole passage deals with the Cliff Palace and how it was the center of that civilization. This largest cliff dwelling place, built by the Ancestral Pueblo people, focuses on why they had to construct such dwellings, only accessible by rope climbing. The passage describes the probable reasons for such dwellings and how it must have been abandoned.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.