Which statement best describes a major environmental challenge Sumerian farmers faced in Mesopotamia?

The rivers provided water unpredictably, causing both floods and periods of drought.

Thick forests across the plains made it very difficult to clear land for planting crops.

Long, cold winters meant that crops could only be grown for a few months each year.

Frequent earthquakes regularly destroyed buildings and irrigation canals.

What was the main purpose of the canals the Sumerians built?

To create defensive water barriers around their cities.

To provide a reliable source of water for their crops.

To serve as the primary routes for religious processions.

To raise fish as an additional source of food.

They were able to grow a surplus of food.

The population of farmers decreased to almost zero.

They stopped all trade with neighboring regions.

Their diet changed to be mostly fish and birds.

harvest their crops much more quickly.

plant seeds deeper into the ground.

protect their plants from insects and disease.

more easily prepare the hard, dry soil for planting.

The wheel and the development of writing

The plow and a system of irrigation canals

Ziggurats and the creation of bronze tools

Chariots for the army and written laws