The Peruvian Nazca lines have been a mystery ever since they were discovered by a Peruvian archaeologist in 1927. The strange, giant lines, which can only be seen as a whole from the air, form geometric designs or crude drawings of plant or animal figures. The plant and animal figures, called "biomorphs," are found together in one group on the flat plain in Peru. Archeologists believe the 70 figures were developed around 200 B.C.E. The geometrical designs, called "geoglyphs," were constructed about 500 years later. About 900 geoglyphs cover the plain.
A monkey, a spider, and a hummingbird are just some of the figures that can been viewed from an aircraft. Because the images depicted by the Nazca lines can only be seen in their entirety from the air, many theories have evolved about why and how they were made. Theories range from the plausible to the fantastic. Located in the desert of Peru, about 200 miles south of Lima, the lines traverse a flat plain that is situated between the Nazca and Inca Valleys. Because the desert sand is soft with loose stone that would not support aircraft landing on it, an alien tarmac can be ruled out as a reason why the lines were made. An American astronomer thought the lines might be astronomically significant, but his own tests ruled out his hypothesis. It does not seem to be some kind of observatory.
The best theory to explain the existence of these lines may be that they are a giant piece of artwork. The lines were constructed by brushing away the red desert earth until white sand underneath was revealed. The designer may have drawn a small-scale version on something with a grid. Then, working in one grid at a time, the designs were etched into the desert floor. Because the location has no wind, is very dry, and well isolated, some of the patterns have been undisturbed for over two thousand years. Evidence has been found to show they also functioned in religious ceremonies.
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Which statement best expresses a central idea in the passage?
A.
The Nazca lines can only be seen from an aircraft flying over the area.
B.
About 70 biomorphs and 900 geoglyphs can be observed on the Nazca plain.
C.
Some people believe the Nazca lines have something to do with aliens.
D.
It is difficult to explain how an ancient people could have made the Nazca lines.
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The statement that best expresses a central idea in the passage is:
D. It is difficult to explain how an ancient people could have made the Nazca lines.
This statement encompasses the overall theme of the passage, which discusses the mystery surrounding the Nazca lines and the various theories about their creation. The passage highlights the challenges in understanding the purpose and method behind the construction of these lines.
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