The “long stays in harbors” mentioned in the description of the sea journeys in the first paragraph were most likely necessary because indian ocean maritime trade in the period circa 1200–1450

The answer is Had to take into account environmental factors such as the timing and direction of the monsoons

Explanation: The Indian Ocean is the third largest ocean in the world in size, measuring 73.4 million square kilometers. The longest ocean is the Pacific.

The name is because at the time of the Great Navigation (15th and 16th centuries) it was the main sea route towards the Indies.

had to take into account environmental factors such as the timing and direction of the monsoons

Explanation:

Sea voyages in the Indian Ocean were yet often deadly because of monsoons, and still required extended journeys, as well as prolonged stops in harbors where they had to remain, even up to several months, until the winds would shift direction. The development of long-distance trade routes relied on environmental knowledge, including an exceptional understanding of the monsoon winds.

where are the options?

explanation: