Conversation so far:
Are there any other interesting aspects about this article?
Cotton (of the species Gossypium barbadense) likely provided the basis of the dominance of inland over coast (whether development was earlier, later, or contemporaneous).
What was their civilization like?
Norte Chico's development is particularly remarkable for the apparent absence of a staple food.
Why is it remarkable?
Though not edible, it was the most important product of irrigation in the Norte Chico, vital to the production of fishing nets (that in turn provided maritime resources.

Question: What food sources did they have the most abundance of?
Self-contained rewrite: What food sources did Norte Chico have the most abundance of?