Question

a student is writing a research paper on the history of irrigation in the united states, situating the development of lake yosemite (created in merced county, california, in 1888) in a larger historical context. the student claims that californias climate renders irrigation an essential component of agriculture in some parts of the state but not in others. which quotation from a study of california agriculture best supports the students claim? a. \while the low humidity of southern californias desert areas makes irrigation a requirement if agriculture is to be a success there, the relatively high humidity in the northern parts of the state makes such practices less necessary.\ b. \the irrigation system developed by the hohokam people in the 7th century ce in what is now arizona was simple but applied hydraulic engineering design features that are in use today throughout california.\ c. \sprinkler irrigation systems are a method of irrigating that requires machinery to spray water in all directions. these systems can presently be found in use throughout california.\ d. \the usefulness of irrigation infrastructure in california today cannot be overstated, since it is the most common means of conveying water for agricultural purposes.\

Explanation:

The student claims irrigation is essential in some parts of California but not others due to climate. Option A directly addresses how different humidity levels in southern (low humidity, irrigation - necessary) and northern (high humidity, less - necessary) parts of the state affect the need for irrigation in agriculture, supporting the claim. Options B, C, and D do not discuss the differential necessity of irrigation based on climate.

Answer:

A. "While the low humidity of Southern California's desert areas makes irrigation a requirement if agriculture is to be a success there, the relatively high humidity in the northern parts of the state makes such practices less necessary."