In which period of Native American history did permanent settlements develop for the first time?



A.
Woodland

B.
Mississippian

C.
Paleo

D.
Archaic

B. Mississippian

The correct answer is A. Woodland.

To figure out which period of Native American history saw the development of permanent settlements for the first time, we can look into each option and eliminate the ones that don't match the criteria.

A. Woodland: The Woodland period in Native American history occurred from around 1000 BCE to 1000 CE. During this time, Native American societies transitioned from a primarily hunting and gathering lifestyle to a more settled lifestyle with increased agricultural practices. However, permanent settlements did not develop for the first time during this period.

B. Mississippian: The Mississippian period, which lasted from around 800 CE to 1500 CE, is often associated with the development of complex societies characterized by large ceremonial centers and chiefdoms. Permanent settlements were established during this period, so this could be a potential answer.

C. Paleo: The Paleo period refers to the earliest known period of Native American history, dating back to around 13,000 BCE. During this time, Native Americans were primarily nomadic, relying on hunting and gathering for sustenance. Permanent settlements did not exist during the Paleo period, so this option can be eliminated.

D. Archaic: The Archaic period followed the Paleo period and lasted from 8000 BCE to 1000 BCE. During this time, Native American societies started to transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a more settled one, but permanent settlements had not yet developed.

Based on the above information, the most likely answer is B. Mississippian.