Question

which reflects maya and aztec culture and their influence from past civilizations?
mayas lived in independent city - states, while aztecs formed a government under one leader.
mayas built amazing cities of shining metal, while aztecs carved pyramids of stone.
both mayas and aztecs had a polytheistic religion and disregarded family values.
both mayas and aztecs valued astronomy but only as it helped improve agricultural practices.

Explanation:

• Option 1: The Maya civilization was organized into independent city - states with their own rulers, and the Aztec civilization had a more centralized government under a single leader (the emperor). This accurately reflects aspects of their political organization and cultural development influenced by earlier civilizations' political structures.
• Option 2: The Maya built stone structures (like pyramids and temples), and the Aztec also built stone pyramids. The description of Maya building cities of “shining metal” is incorrect.
• Option 3: Both Maya and Aztec had polytheistic religions, but family values were important in both cultures. The claim that they “disregarded family values” is wrong.
• Option 4: While both valued astronomy, the Maya also used astronomy for calendrical and religious purposes, not just agricultural. The “only as it helped improve agricultural practices” is an incorrect limitation.

Answer:

A. Mayas lived in independent city - states, while Aztecs formed a government under one leader.