Which of the following best explains the relative significance of the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes?(1 point) Responses Trans-Saharan trade was more significant because it had more valuable resources such as salt, gold, and ivory. Trans-Saharan trade was more significant because it had more valuable resources such as salt, gold, and ivory. Neither of them was significant because both were limited in whom they could reach. Neither of them was significant because both were limited in whom they could reach. The Indian Ocean basin was more significant because it connected the Middle East and parts of Africa with Asia, specifically China, and it had important goods such as silk and porcelain. The Indian Ocean basin was more significant because it connected the Middle East and parts of Africa with Asia, specifically China, and it had important goods such as silk and porcelain. The routes were equally significant—each in its own way—as they both contributed to significant cultural developments along the routes, and worth cannot be measured simply by the goods that were traded.

Question

Which of the following best explains the relative significance of the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes?(1 point) Responses Trans-Saharan trade was more significant because it had more valuable resources such as salt, gold, and ivory. Trans-Saharan trade was more significant because it had more valuable resources such as salt, gold, and ivory. Neither of them was significant because both were limited in whom they could reach. Neither of them was significant because both were limited in whom they could reach. The Indian Ocean basin was more significant because it connected the Middle East and parts of Africa with Asia, specifically China, and it had important goods such as silk and porcelain. The Indian Ocean basin was more significant because it connected the Middle East and parts of Africa with Asia, specifically China, and it had important goods such as silk and porcelain. The routes were equally significant—each in its own way—as they both contributed to significant cultural developments along the routes, and worth cannot be measured simply by the goods that were traded.

Answer 1

The best response to explain the relative significance of the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes is:

"The routes were equally significant—each in its own way—as they both contributed to significant cultural developments along the routes, and worth cannot be measured simply by the goods that were traded."

This response acknowledges the unique contributions of both trade routes to cultural exchange, economic development, and their historical importance, rather than merely comparing the value of the goods traded.