Question

the aztec empire quick check
which of the following statements best explains why the aztecs used chinampas in their agricultural practices?
(1 point)
the aztecs used chinampas to reclaim farmland from lake or marshlands and create plots of land that could be easily irrigated by surrounding water.
all of the fertile soil in the valley of mexico had been taken by other communities by the time the aztec empire developed.
the aztecs did not have access to any fertile lands and used chinampas to develop their own.
the aztecs did not have any other strategies except chinampas to irrigate and create farmland in the areas where they lived.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Chinampas are floating gardens built on lake/marshlands. They reclaim land and are easily irrigated by surrounding water, which matches Aztec agricultural practices.
• Option 2: Stating all fertile soil was taken is inaccurate; the Aztecs used chinampas to create fertile land, not because it was all taken.
• Option 3: The Aztecs had access to fertile lands but used chinampas to expand/improve, so this is incorrect.
• Option 4: The Aztecs had other irrigation/agricultural strategies, so this is false.

Answer:

The Aztecs used chinampas to reclaim farmland from lake or marshlands and create plots of land that could be easily irrigated by surrounding water.