Question

which of the following generalizations is true for all of the places indicated on the map? a they developed complex economies by trading wheat and corn with other societies. b they developed cities with complex social classes. c they were home to all of the people in the regions at the time. d they invented terraced farming to grow enough food for their populations.

Explanation:

• Option A: Corn (maize) was domesticated in the Americas, not in these ancient Eastern Hemisphere civilizations (Egypt, Sumer, Indus, Shang), so they didn’t trade corn with others. Eliminate A.
• Option B: All these civilizations (Egypt along the Nile, Sumer in Mesopotamia, Indus Valley, Shang China) developed urban centers with complex social classes (e.g., rulers, priests, artisans, farmers), which is a key characteristic of early civilizations.
• Option C: These regions had significant populations, but “all of the people” is too absolute, and other groups (nomads, etc.) existed. Eliminate C.
• Option D: Terraced farming was more common in mountainous regions (e.g., parts of Asia later, or Andes), not a defining feature of all these river - valley civilizations. Most relied on river - based irrigation, not terracing. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. They developed cities with complex social classes.