Question

the great basin: a harsh environment

• the great basin is geographically encircled by the rocky mountains to the east, the sierra nevadas to the west, the columbia plateau to the north, and the colorado plateau to the south.
• this \basin\ is characterized by deserts, salt flats, and brackish lakes, making it one of north america’s most inhospitable regions.

tribal adaptation in the great basin

• uto - aztecan tribes, such as the shoshone, developed a lifestyle highly adapted to the great basin’s sparse resources.
• they became expert foragers, relying on roots, seeds, and nuts while also hunting small animals like rabbits, squirrels and lizards.
• this subsistence required constant mobility, resulting in a nomadic way of life.
• these tribes built temporary shelters called wickiups, which were easy to construct, dismantle, and transport, reflecting their impermanent lifestyle.

european contact and resource extraction
in the 19th century, gold and silver discoveries in the great basin spurred a rush of settlers, reshaping the native american way of life. european presence increased, introducing new pressures on native american societies in the region.
native american tribes were the first inhabitants of north america. their lifestyles were shaped by ______.

• environmental challenges
• european religious practices
• industrial technology

Explanation:

The text about the Great Basin shows that Native American tribes (like Uto - Aztecan tribes) in the Great Basin adapted their lifestyle (foraging, nomadic life, temporary shelters) to the harsh environment (deserts, salt flats, brackish lakes). European religious practices and industrial technology were introduced later with European contact, so they didn't shape the initial lifestyles. The initial lifestyles were shaped by environmental challenges.

Answer:

A. environmental challenges