Chapter 11 Early Meso American Civilizations Lesson 1

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 Yucata n Peninsula—lowlands divide Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico

Landforms of Meso-America EQ: What landforms are found in Meso-America? 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 Uses: figurines, tools, ear spools and teeth inlays Uses: hunting, agriculture, food prep. , surgery SHELLS Uses: music, jewelry (symbol of birth & death) *Obsidian’s association with that act of bloodletting is importa

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

BEANS MAIZE 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 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.