Question

geographer marlon estes argues that river - delta civilizations tend to develop centralized irrigation hierarchies as populations rise. ____ archival surveys of the 12th - century aerilon basin show that local officials reorganized canal rights precisely when the population surpassed 30,000.
9
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which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
a in contrast to most archaeological interpretations,
b by overlooking unrelated demographic shifts,
c in accordance with this premise,
d in response to the argument,

Explanation:

The first part presents Marlon Estes' argument (river - delta civilizations develop centralized irrigation hierarchies as populations rise). The second part gives an example (Aerilon Basin in 12th century: local officials reorganized canal rights when population surpassed 30,000) that supports this argument.

• Option A: "In contrast to most archaeological interpretations" implies a contrast, but there's no such contrast here.
• Option B: "By overlooking unrelated demographic shifts" doesn't fit as the example is related to population rise (a demographic shift) and supports the argument, not overlooking.
• Option C: "In accordance with this premise" means the example follows the argument (premise) given, which is correct as the Aerilon Basin example supports Estes' argument.
• Option D: "In response to the argument" would imply the example is a reaction to the argument, but the example is actually an instance that supports the argument, not a response to it.

Answer:

C. In accordance with this premise,