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Jennifer Sun, Chapter 11 DQ Graphic Organizer: 1. How did the different environments of Mesoamerica and the Andean region affect the development of civilizations? Different environments affected Mesoamerica and Andean regions by forcing both regions to develop technology in order to counter the flaws of their environments. Mesoamerica

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Description:

What developments did this lead to.

This region has great geographical and climatic diversity. Volcanoes and earthquakes make the region active. There are many different ecological niches, ranging from tropical climates to dry scrub forests.

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The climate was tropical and soils fragile.

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In comparison to the Andean Region, the Mesoamerican environment had more tolerant conditions; however it was prone to volatile disasters that could undermine entire civilizations.

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Because of volcanic eruptions, the urban population of Teotihuacan grew rapidly, spurring the production of Chinampas (artificial lands available for year-round use), drainage of swamps, construction of irrigation works, and building of terraces into the hillsides.

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Mayans attempted swidden agriculture, which used up the soil’s nutrients. Those near the cities drained swamps, built elevated fields, and used irrigation or terraced hillsides.

Andean Region

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The region’s mountainous zones seem unsuitable for agriculture and civilization.

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The climate was torn between two extremes; at one end, the climate was far too dry to support agriculture (Pacific Coast) and at the other, the climate was too hot and humid (Amazon headwaters).

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In general, the Andean environment had extremely harsh conditions that were difficult to tame and make suitable for civilization.

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The civilizations in this region developed an accurate calendar and a record keeping system called khipus.

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People learned to disperse farming at different altitudes to reduce risk of frost.

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Developed methods to freeze dry vegetables and meat products, which prevented famine when crops failed.

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Domesticated the llama and alpaca, which provided resources such as wool and transportation, as well as food.

In general, how did the region affect the development of civilizations in each region?

Due to the non-dependable environment of Mesoamerica, civilizations such as Teotihuacan became urban powers. These urban centers used artificial techniques to provide resources for their people: draining swamps, irrigation, and developing Chinampas.

Though experiencing unfavorable climate conditions, Andean civilizations developed systematic methods to counter nature; a calendar and a record system, and using resources wisely (such as freeze drying food and domesticating llamas and alpacas).