Reading Comprehension

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the area now known as the Joshua Tree National Park was inhabited by several native American tribes, the most dominant of which were the Serrano, the Chemehuevi, and the Mojave. Control over the immense desert region, comprised of the lower Colorado desert and the higher Mojave desert, was divided or shared between those tribes, whereas the southern part of the Park was considered Cahuilla territory.

The Serrano tribe claims to the earliest presence in the Joshua Tree National Park. The Serrano's center of culture was situated in the village of Mara, an ancient oasis settlement still exiting nowadays in its modern reincarnation. According to their creation myth, the Serrano have occupied the region since their arrival upon earth, thousands of years ago. The Serrano's occupation of the region lasted until roughly 1860.

Consequently, Chemehuevi have taken control over certain areas in the park; being a tribe of a more nomadic nature, they expanded their ranging from the upper regions of the Mojave desert in relatively small companies. The size of the Chemehuevi clans was a result of their constant migration in the desert parts of modern day Arizona, Nevada and California and the scarce resources available there. Due to the same reasons, the tribe's control of the Park region was sporadic and seasonal, alternating with periods of Serrano domination.

Another people who restricted the area controlled by the Chemehuevi was the Mojave tribe, struggling over the relatively rich bounty of the Mara oasis, which provided plant, animal and possibly even ore resources. Other than serving as a ritual center, the Mara oasis also functioned as a restocking point on the long route to the coast traced by the Mojave, who were, according to some researchers, tradesmen. Others claim that what set the Mojave traveling through the Mara oasis was a desire for exploration and sightseeing, which constituted an important part of the Mojave culture and lifestyle.


The author most probably refers to Arizona, Nevada, and California in order to
a) show the vastness of the region roamed by Chemehuevi
b) illustrate the sporadic and fragmented control of the Chemehuevi
c) appeal to readers from these regions
d) make it possible for contemporary readers to understand what area is discussed
e) connect modern day culture in these regions with ancient practices at the Mara Oasis

Pls explain your pick.

OA - D