Early American Civilizations and Indigenous Cultures

Vocabulary flashcards covering early human migration to the Americas, environmental adaptations of the Aztec and Inca civilizations, and regional cultures of North America including the Plains Natives, Iroquois Confederacy, and Inuit.

Beringia

Exposed frozen land across the Bering Strait that provided a land bridge for early migrants to walk from Asia into North America.

Ice Age Sea Level Impact

A dramatic drop in sea levels that exposed land such as the Bering Land Bridge.

Permanent Farming Settlements

Communities that early humans in the Americas eventually established after following migrating animals into North and South America.

Chinampas

Floating gardens created as an agricultural innovation by the Aztecs to adapt to their environment.

Tenochtitlan

The Aztec capital; an island city located in Lake Texcoco.

Aztec Environmental Adaptations

Building chinampas, constructing causeways, and developing their island capital, Tenochtitlan.

Inca Environmental Adaptations

Building cities in the Andes Mountains and utilizing terrace farming.

Terrace Farming

An agricultural method of creating steps on slopes that prevents erosion and maximizes arable land.

Significance of Aztec and Inca Adaptations

Allowed both empires to achieve agricultural efficiency, sustain large populations, and support cultural development.

Plains Cultures

Native groups inhabiting the Plains region, including the Comanche, Sioux, and Crow.

Nomadic (Plains Natives)

A way of life characterized by constant movement following the migration of the Bison.

Impact of the Horse on Plains Natives

Increased mobility and travel speed, significantly improving Bison hunting.

Bison

The vital animal resource serving as the essential source of food, materials, and mobility for Plains Natives.

Iroquois Confederacy Location

The Northeast part of North America.

Democracy (Iroquois)

A governance system featuring a council of chiefs voting on issues.

Longhouses

The distinct type of communal wooden housing created and used by the Iroquois.

Three Sisters Farming

The unique agricultural practice developed and relied upon by the Iroquois.

Inuit Migration Pattern

The decision of the Inuit to remain in the North while other Native Americans migrated South.

Tundra

An environment characterized by partially no trees and ground that is mostly frozen year round.

Inuit Environmental Adaptations

Cultural and technological creations shaped by a frozen Arctic climate, including kayaks, igloos, and dog sleds.