What agricultural development is the Olmec society known for?

The Olmec society is recognized for its significant ability to grow food for thousands of people, which highlights their agricultural innovation and marked them as one of the early complex societies in Mesoamerica. This capacity for extensive food production was pivotal in supporting large populations and sustaining urban centers, demonstrating their advanced understanding of agriculture.

The Olmecs cultivated crops such as maize, beans, and squash, utilizing their fertile land effectively. Their success in agriculture was fundamental to their societal structure, influencing trade, social hierarchy, and the development of their culture. This ability to produce a surplus of food allowed for specialization in other areas, including art, religion, and governance, which ultimately contributed to the rise of their civilization.

In contrast, the other options focus on specific agricultural practices that, while important, do not encapsulate the Olmec's primary achievement in agriculture as effectively as the ability to support large populations through food production.