"The Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site consists of six mounds, three of which are clearly visible: the Great Temple Mound, Lesser Temple Mound, and Mortuary Mound. The Great Temple Mound towered over the community and served as a platform for the home of the priest-chief. Situated between the Great Temple Mound and the Etowah River, the Lesser Temple Mound was originally shaped as a square. Generations of farming softened the edges of the mound, leaving its current, rounded form. The Mortuary Mound is the only mound to have been fully excavated and replaced by a reconstruction. The burial sites and associated artifacts that were discovered within are protected by the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and their welfare governed by the modern-day Muscogee (Creek) people."

Question

“Etowah Mounds Virtual Field Trip.” GPB
Which factor best explains why Native Americans were able to make permanent settlements that included features like the Etowah Mounds?
A.
Native Americans began to cultivate plants for food
B.
Native Americans began to create more complex tools and pottery
C.
Native Americans discovered alternate food sources, such as shellfish
D.
Native Americans wanted to band together in large groups for protection?

Answer 1

A. Native Americans began to cultivate plants for food

This factor best explains why Native Americans were able to make permanent settlements like those that included the Etowah Mounds. The ability to cultivate plants for food allowed them to establish stable, sedentary communities rather than relying on a nomadic lifestyle based on hunting and gathering. This stability provided the foundation for developing complex societies that could create significant structures such as the mounds.