What reasoning did Jose de Acosta use regarding animals seen in South America?

The reasoning attributed to Jose de Acosta regarding animals seen in South America is linked to the view that they migrated from Noah’s ark after the Flood. This perspective stems from the historical context in which Acosta was writing during the 16th century when many European scholars were trying to reconcile newly discovered information about the New World with biblical accounts.

Acosta, a Jesuit priest and historian, speculated on the origins of the diverse fauna in South America. He was influenced by the belief in a literal interpretation of the biblical Flood and thought that animals could have repopulated the earth from those that had survived the Flood by coming off Noah's ark. This view reflects the mindset of the time, where religious texts were often blended with observations of the natural world.

In considering the other options, it's essential to recognize that Acosta's conclusions were primarily rooted in the biblical narrative rather than in the understanding of local origins or domestication by indigenous peoples, which are modern interpretations. Additionally, the concept of evolution, which relies on scientific principles developed much later, would not have been part of Acosta’s reasoning or contextual framework.