Read the following passage and answer the question below. The wheel is often cited as one of the most transformative inventions in human history, fundamentally changing transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing. Archaeological evidence suggests that the wheel was first developed in Mesopotamia around five thousand years ago, initially used not for transportation but as a potter's wheel to shape clay vessels more efficiently. It was only later that the wheel was adapted for use on carts and chariots, dramatically improving the speed and efficiency of transporting goods and people over land. The invention of the wheel also spurred related innovations, such as the development of roads and axles, which were necessary to make wheeled transport practical and durable. Interestingly, several advanced ancient civilizations in the Americas, such as the Aztec and Maya, are known to have understood the concept of the wheel, using it in small toys, but did not adopt it for practical transportation, likely due to a lack of suitable draft animals and challenging terrain. Question: What can be inferred from the passage about why civilizations like the Aztec and Maya did not use the wheel for transportation?
- A. They considered the wheel to be a religious symbol only
- B. They likely lacked suitable draft animals and faced challenging terrain ✓
- C. They had no need for any form of transportation
- D. They had never encountered the concept of the wheel
Correct answer
B. They likely lacked suitable draft animals and faced challenging terrain
Explanation
The passage states these civilizations understood the wheel but did not adopt it for transportation, likely due to a lack of suitable draft animals and challenging terrain.