Across
- 2. Definition: A farming method where flat platforms are carved into hillsides or mountains to create level planting areas. Purpose: Prevents soil erosion and maximizes arable land in mountainous regions. Used by: Primarily the Maya and other highland groups.
- 3. Definition: A valuable crop used to make chocolate and as currency. Cultural role: Sacred in Maya and Aztec rituals.
- 5. System Definition: A crop rotation system involving maize, beans, and squash grown together. Purpose: Maintains soil fertility and provides a balanced diet.
- 6. (Corn) Definition: The staple crop of Mesoamerica, central to diet, economy, and religion. Often grown with: Beans and squash — known as the “Three Sisters.”
- 7. Systems Definition: Engineered channels, ditches, and reservoirs used to direct water to crops. Purpose: Ensured consistent water supply during dry seasons and supported intensive agriculture. Used by: Various Mesoamerican cultures, including the Zapotecs and Aztecs, especially in arid or semi-arid zones2.
Down
- 1. Agriculture Definition: A technique where vegetation is cut down and burned to clear land and enrich the soil with ash. Purpose: Temporarily boosts soil fertility for planting crops like maize. Used by: The Maya in forested lowland areas.
- 3. Definition: Artificial islands or "floating gardens" built on shallow lake beds using layers of mud, vegetation, and reeds. Purpose: Allowed year-round farming with rich, fertile soil and easy irrigation. Used by: The Aztecs, especially around Lake Texcoco near Tenochtitlán2.
- 4. Cultivation Definition: Growing agave plants for food, fiber, and fermented beverages. Used by: Many groups including the Zapotecs and Mixtecs.