Question

Some archeologists have debated whether the Olmec were a "mother culture" of Mesoamerican cultures or a "sister culture." Which of the following scenarios would support the hypothesis that the Olmec were not a "mother culture" but rather a "sister culture"? The Olmecs' use of some ritual items were adopted by other Mesoamerican cultures. The Olmecs invented a popular ball game that later cultures played. The Olmecs shared tool-making techniques with a contemporary culture. The Olmecs' celebration of some gods was adopted by later cultures.

Answer 1

Some archeologists have debated whether the Olmec were a "mother culture" of Mesoamerican cultures or a "sister culture." From the scenario, the hypothesis that the Olmec were not a "mother culture" but rather a "sister culture" would be The Olmecs shared tool-making techniques with a contemporary culture.

Answer 2

The Olmecs shared tool-making techniques with a contemporary culture.

This sentence supports the theory that the Olmecs were a "sister culture". The word "shared" implies that it is not the fore runner culture, but a culture among other Mesoamerican cultures that evolved simultaneously. This scenario implies that the Olmecs may be one among equals rather than the well spring culture.