People of the classical era found the flat, open geography of the African plains particularly well suited to: A. herding livestock. B. harvesting trees for lumber. C. growing crops. D. developing naval technology.

The vast African plains provided an ideal environment for herding livestock, as the open grasslands offered ample grazing opportunities. Ancient societies such as the Maasai evolved their lifestyles around pastoralism, relying on cattle for food, clothing, and social status. This adaptability to the land allowed them to thrive and build rich cultural traditions. As for agriculture, while certain areas of Africa are well-suited for growing crops, the flat plains were often more conducive for nomadic herding practices rather than settled farming. Nevertheless, regions near rivers or those with fertile soil were exceptions where early agricultural societies flourished, blending aspects of both herding and cultivation.