Question

examine the following map showing the olmec heartland and the southern maya empire.
based on the map, which of the following statements is most likely true?
a. the maya and the olmec frequently traded with each other.
b. olmec land was agriculturally richer than the land of the southern maya.
c. the maya were more successful than the olmec in their conquests.
d. the olmec established a foundation for the maya civilization.

Explanation:

The map shows the Olmec heartland (northern, earlier Mesoamerican civilization) and the southern Maya empire (southern, later civilization) with overlapping/adjacent territorial ranges. Historical context confirms the Olmec were a foundational Mesoamerican culture, passing on practices, symbols, and technologies that shaped later civilizations like the Maya. Option A cannot be confirmed solely from the map (no trade routes shown). Option B has no agricultural data on the map to support it. Option C cannot be proven by territorial size on the map alone, as conquest success depends on more than land area.

Answer:

D. The Olmec established a foundation for the Maya civilization.