Which technique did the zapotec use to farm step mountain terrain .A they use llamas to farm . B they use terrace farming. C they grew high altitude crops. D they built cisterns to store water.

History · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020

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B) They used terrace farming.

The Zapotec civilization, which thrived in the valleys of what is now the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, developed an agricultural technique known as terrace farming to grow crops on the steep mountainous terrain of their environment. Terrace farming involves carving flat areas or steps into the sides of mountains or hills to create level surfaces on which to plant crops. These terraces reduce soil erosion by decreasing the flow of water down the slopes during rain. This method of farming allowed the Zapotec to cultivate crops such as maize and beans effectively despite the challenging terrain.

Extra: Terrace farming is an ancient method of farming that is still used in various parts of the world today, especially in areas with hilly or mountainous landscapes. By constructing these flat terraces along the contours of a hillside, farmers are able to retain water and soil in places that would otherwise be unsuitable for agriculture. The potential for soil erosion and water runoff is much less compared to conventional hillside farming methods. In addition to the Zapotec, many other ancient civilizations, including the Inca in South America and other Mesoamerican cultures, utilized terrace farming to make the most of the land available to them. This agricultural technique is a critical part of sustainable farming practices in regions where flat land is scarce.