Which two technologies significantly improved wildlife harvesting efficiency during the 1800-1900 era?

The transcontinental railroad and the percussion rifle were pivotal in enhancing wildlife harvesting efficiency during the 1800-1900 era. The transcontinental railroad drastically transformed transportation by connecting eastern and western parts of the United States, allowing for quicker movement of both people and goods. This improved access to remote areas where wildlife could be found, facilitating a larger scale of hunting and harvesting operations.

The percussion rifle, a significant advancement over earlier firearm designs, provided hunters with greater reliability and accuracy. This technology allowed for faster reloading and improved firing capabilities, which made the process of hunting more efficient than with older muzzle-loading flintlock rifles. Consequently, the combination of improved transportation and more effective firearms enabled hunters to harvest wildlife at an unprecedented scale during this time period.

In contrast, the other options would not have the same historical relevance or impact during that specific era. For example, while black powder and flintlock rifles were utilized before the 1800s, they do not represent advancements made specifically in that timeframe. The automatic shotgun and modern tracking technologies occurred later and are not representative of the innovations during the 1800-1900 era. The focus on the transcontinental railroad and percussion rifle accurately reflects the technological advancements that significantly influenced wildlife harvesting practices