Which risk increased when early Mesoamerican farmers relied heavily on Zea mays?

💡 Explanation

Systemic crop failures from monoculture became a higher risk because increased reliance on maize led to widespread **genetic uniformity** within the crop. Therefore, a single disease or pest could devastate entire harvests, rather than being contained by genetic diversity.

• Which defensive outcome did the Roman development of the 'testudo' formation primarily achieve during siege operations?
• Which consequence resulted from thermal changes in late Roman fortifications employing concrete?
• Which consequence arises when the wooden framework of a motte-and-bailey castle's ramparts experiences prolonged saturation?
• Which outcome threatened structural stability when early Viking longships encountered heavy North Atlantic seas?
• Within a Roman fort under siege, which consequence arises from depletion spring water sources?
• Which outcome occurred in the Waru Waru agricultural terrace system of the Andes due to diurnal temperature swings?