Question

which of the following commodities is essential to human survival and was a major source of the economy for several sub - saharan african civilizations?
water
iron
gold
salt

Explanation:

Salt is essential for human physiological function (electrolyte balance, digestion) and was a critical, high-value trade commodity in sub-Saharan African civilizations like the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai Empires. Trans-Saharan salt trade networks drove their economic growth, while water, iron, and gold do not meet both criteria as directly: water is essential but not a primary economic trade commodity in this context, iron was used but not universally a core economic driver, and gold was a trade good but not essential for immediate survival.

Answer:

D. Salt