Question

which statement best describes how physical geography contributed to the decline of west african empires? (1 point)
hurricanes forced many to migrate east toward central africa, which reduced the size of the armies.
landslides and flooding destroyed villages, causing the population to use violence to gain food.
periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions.
salt was overmined, leading to shortages and protests by miners who demanded more gold for their work.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: Hurricanes are not a major physical geography factor related to the decline of West African empires in the traditional sense.
• Option 2: Landslides and flooding are not the main physical geography - related causes of decline as described in historical accounts.
• Option 3: Drought (a physical geography factor) leading to food production decline and migration is a well - known factor in the decline of many historical civilizations, including potentially West African empires.
• Option 4: Salt overmining is more of an economic or resource - management issue rather than a physical geography - based cause of decline.

Answer:

Periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions.