The culture of American Indians in South Carolina during the Pre-Projectile Point Era was based on (1 point)

hunting large animals such as bison and mammoths.
cultivating crops such as corn, squash, and bottle gourds.
gathering nuts and hunting small animals and fish.
storing prepared food in pottery made from clay.

To determine the answer, we can break down the options and analyze each one:

1. Hunting large animals such as bison and mammoths: During the Pre-Projectile Point Era, which occurred between 12,000 and 10,000 years ago, bison and mammoths were not present in South Carolina. The extinction of these large mammals in that region happened much earlier.

2. Cultivating crops such as corn, squash, and bottle gourds: This option aligns with agricultural practices typically associated with Native American cultures, including American Indians. Cultivating crops like corn, squash, and bottle gourds was indeed a primary characteristic of the culture during this era. Therefore, this option is a likely answer.

3. Gathering nuts and hunting small animals and fish: While gathering nuts and hunting small animals and fish were certainly part of some American Indian cultures during this era, it does not specifically pertain to the Pre-Projectile Point Era in South Carolina. Therefore, this option is less likely to be the correct answer.

4. Storing prepared food in pottery made from clay: Storing prepared food in pottery made from clay was indeed a practice among various American Indian cultures, including those in South Carolina during the Pre-Projectile Point Era. However, it does not capture the primary characteristic of their culture during this time.

Based on the analysis, the most likely correct answer is: Cultivating crops such as corn, squash, and bottle gourds.