I would say that it is the fertile soil, the question seems incomplete though
Answer:
there were several goals of the first European explorers. One goal was to help find a shorter water route to Asia . Several countries sponsored explorations to find a new and a shorter water route to Asia . Christopher Columbus was one explorer who was sent on a mission to find a shorter water route to Asia.
i think is a - the cause of all suffering is desire. because The Second Noble Truth says that Desire and attachment are the causes of unsatisfactoriness and suffering.