Chapter 11: Early Meso-American Civilizations Lesson 1 Geography and Agriculture in Meso-America
MAIN IDEAS Meso-America has a variety of landforms. Climates in Meso-America vary from tropical to dry. Geographic diversity caused Meso-America to have a variety of natural resources and crops.
LANDFORMS
Landforms of Meso-America EQ: What landforms are found in Meso-America? Location and Landforms Meso-America (Middle America) links United States, South America Elevations vary: mountain ranges, coastal plains, lowlands Yucatán Peninsula—lowlands divide Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico
Landforms of Meso-America EQ: What landforms are found in Meso-America? Volcanoes Volcanoes shape Meso-American landscape; dozens active today Erupted lava created huge ash mountains; some over 10,000 feet high Dormant volcano craters filled with water, creating highland lakes
Climate and Vegetation EQ: How do climates vary in Meso-America? Wet and Dry Climates Much of Meso-America is tropical; hot, humid. Above 80° in day, 80+ inches of rain yearly; rain forests flourish Lowlands: less rain, grassy, few trees, bushes North is very hot, dry, desert-like with spare grasses, shrubs Elevation and Climate Elevation (height of land above sea level) has great effect on climate. Growing conditions are affected by elevation
CLIMATE ZONES
Geography Shapes Meso-American Life EQ: How has geographic diversity affected the natural resources and crops found in Meso-America? Natural Resources Jade, obsidian (black volcanic glass) used to carve figures, weapons Seashells, sharkʼs teeth from coastal regions used for jewelry Colorful feathers of Quetzal, a sacred bird, used to decorate clothing
JADE OBSIDIAN SHELLS Uses: figurines, tools, ear spools and teeth inlays Uses: hunting, agriculture, food prep., surgery Uses: music, jewelry (symbol of birth & death) *Obsidian’s association with that act of bloodletting is important, as it is argued by some researchers that obsidian was seen as a type of blood originating from the earth – its use in autosacrifice is therefore especially symbolic.
Geography Shapes Meso-American Life EQ: How has geographic diversity affected the natural resources and crops found in Meso-America? Agriculture River floodplains, volcano slopes provided fertile farmland Slash-and-burn agriculture—trees cut, burned; ash used to fertilize; used in areas with poor farmland, such as rain forest Variety of crops were cultivated: beans, peppers, squash, maize (corn), used for tortillas Cacao (a tropical tree) beans prized for trade; made chocolate drink
MAIZE BEANS PEPPERS SQUASH
Geography Shapes Meso-American Life EQ: How has geographic diversity affected the natural resources and crops found in Meso-America? Geography and Trade Meso-Americans traveled great distances by water for trade Luxury items like jade, obsidian, seashells were key to trade Ideas, customs spread with trade; created regional common culture
TRADE GOODS TRADE ROUTES
Summary & So What Lesson Summary Why It Matters Now . . . Meso-America has a variety of landforms. Meso-America has a variety of climates. Geographic diversity caused Meso-America to have a variety of natural resources and crops. Why It Matters Now . . . Chocolate, made from the cacao bean, has become one of the worldʼs most popular foods.