What environmental trend affected cities during the era of Great Zimbabwe and the Mayans?

The correct answer highlights the significant environmental challenges faced by both the Great Zimbabwe civilization and the Mayans. During their respective eras, these societies experienced considerable environmental stress that ultimately impacted their urban centers.

In the case of the Mayans, deforestation for agricultural expansion, particularly for slash-and-burn agriculture, led to soil degradation and reduced agricultural yields. This environmental damage contributed to food shortages and societal strain, which were among the factors that precipitated the decline of their urban centers.

Similarly, Great Zimbabwe faced issues related to environmental degradation due to overgrazing and deforestation, which resulted in soil erosion and diminished land productivity. These environmental challenges affected trade and the sustainability of the urban population.

Understanding this context is important as it illustrates how human activity and environmental management directly influence the viability and longevity of civilizations, showing a pattern of environmental consequences that contributed to urban decline in both cases.