Which statement best describes how physical geography contributed to the decline of West African empires?(1 point) Responses Periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions. Periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions. Salt was overmined, leading to shortages and protests by miners who demanded more gold for their work. Salt was overmined, leading to shortages and protests by miners who demanded more gold for their work. Landslides and flooding destroyed villages, causing the population to use violence to gain food. Landslides and flooding destroyed villages, causing the population to use violence to gain food. Hurricanes forced many to migrate east toward central Africa, which reduced the size of the armies.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes how physical geography contributed to the decline of West African empires is:

"Periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions."

This statement accurately reflects how environmental factors, such as drought, can significantly impact agricultural output and lead to population movements, which in turn can destabilize empires and contribute to their decline.