Question
Which of the following is evidence that the soils of Mesopotamia became saltier?
The farmers let more lands become fallow.
The farmers switched from continuous irrigation to seasonal irrigation.
The farmers switched from growing wheat to growing barley.
The farmers switched from growing barley to growing wheat.
The farmers let more lands become fallow.
The farmers switched from continuous irrigation to seasonal irrigation.
The farmers switched from growing wheat to growing barley.
The farmers switched from growing barley to growing wheat.
Ask by Bernard Tran. in the United States
Jan 27,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
The farmers switched from growing wheat to growing barley.
Solution
The most direct evidence that the soils of Mesopotamia became saltier is:
The farmers switched from growing wheat to growing barley.
Explanation:
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Barley vs. Wheat: Barley is more salt-tolerant than wheat. When soils become salinized, farmers often switch to crops that can better withstand higher salt levels. This shift from wheat to barley indicates that salinity was becoming a significant issue affecting crop viability.
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Other Options:
- Letting lands become fallow: While this could be a consequence of soil salinization, it is not as direct an indicator as changing crop types.
- Switching irrigation methods: Changing from continuous to seasonal irrigation might help mitigate salinization but is more of an agricultural adaptation rather than direct evidence of increased soil salinity.
- Switching from barley to wheat: This would suggest decreasing salinity, which is the opposite of the scenario in question.
Conclusion: The transition from growing wheat to barley is the strongest evidence among the options provided that Mesopotamian soils were becoming saltier.
Answer: The farmers switched from growing wheat to growing barley.
Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
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Simplify this solution Mind Expander
In ancient Mesopotamia, increased salinity in the soil was often a consequence of continuous irrigation practices. When farmers relied heavily on irrigation, they inadvertently raised the water table and brought salts to the surface, which would accumulate over time and hinder crop growth. This led to some fields becoming less productive and farmers needing to let more land go fallow as they sought to manage the salt content.
Farmers began to adapt their practices in response to these conditions, which included switching from wheat to barley. Barley is more tolerant of saline conditions compared to wheat, making it a more viable option as salinity levels rose in the soil. This adaptability highlights the resilience and ingenuity of ancient agricultural communities in the face of environmental challenges.
