Question

The indigenous inhabitants of North America, before the arrival of Europeans and subsequently of Africans, left behind an archaeological record that indicates that, north of the central Mexican valley, populations were relatively small, isolated, and broadly reliant on the hunter-gatherer mode of production with supplementary horticulture. What prevented the pre-contact economies of North America's peoples from developing as in Eurasia?

A		Until the importation of horses, cattle, swine, sheep, and goats, North America lacked domesticated animals, because there simply were no fauna that were available for domestication. Domesticated animals had proved central to producing surplus commodities that could be traded. Other than small objects (jewelry, pottery, non-metal weapons), there was little accumulation. except in places where there had been maize-centered development, maize being the major domesticated crop north of Central America.
B		Indigenous North Americans practiced constant warfare, which disrupted their cities, transportation networks, and water-control systems.
C		Religious considerations.
D		The inefficiency of labor markets.

Answer 1

The correct answer is -

Option (A) Until the importation of horses, cattle, swine, sheep, and goats, North America lacked domesticated animals, because there simply were no fauna that were available for domestication. Domesticated animals had proved central to producing surplus commodities that could be traded. Other than small objects (jewelry, pottery, non-metal weapons), there was little accumulation. except in places where there had been maize-centered development, maize being the major domesticated crop north of Central America.

Explanation -

Just as an example:

1. South East Asia discovered the breeding potential of chickens
2. In South Asia and Europe, cows were useful from the perspective of milk production
3. Horses in the Eurasian region helped in speed of communication.

However, there were lack of animals to domesticate in North America. This was one of the major issues as it impacted trade, communication as well as exchange of ideas with other regions.