The growth of the Maya civilization was significantly influenced by the environment in several ways:
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Agricultural Practices: The Maya developed advanced agricultural techniques such as slash-and-burn farming and terracing to adapt to their tropical rainforest environment, allowing them to create fertile land for crops like maize, beans, and squash.
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Water Management: The Maya built sophisticated water management systems, including reservoirs and canals, to collect and distribute water, which was crucial for sustaining their populations during dry seasons.
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Settlement Patterns: The availability of natural resources, such as fertile land and water sources, determined where the Maya established their cities and trade routes, leading to the growth of urban centers.
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Cultural Development: The rich biodiversity of the region influenced Maya mythology, agriculture, and trade, as they utilized their environment for food, medicine, and materials for construction.
In summary, the Maya civilization thrived due to their ability to manipulate their environment through agriculture and water management, which supported their population growth and urban development.
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