Natural Texas and Its People

Why did the ways of life of Native American groups in Texas differ?  

•    a.    ​They had different plant and animal resources available to them.   
•    b.    ​They had very different spiritual beliefs.
•    c.    ​They lived in different matrilineal societies.
•     d.    ​They lived in different types of confederacies.

 What action did the Karankawa take as the seasons changed?  

• a.      ​They switched between fishing and hunting.
• b.      ​They grew a different variety of crops.
• c.      They moved between the barrier islands and more inland areas.     
•   d.      ​They joined different bands with different chiefs.

Why were the Caddo considered an agricultural society?           

• a.    ​They gathered nuts and berries from the surrounding countryside.   
• b.    ​They grew corn, squash, beans, and other foods.
• c.    They were part of a large trade network.
• d.    They made beautiful pottery.

Many of these Native American groups had similarities. Most lived in small units called bands. . . . Most Native American groups believed that spirits caused natural events. . . . The various Native American groups had differences, too. Peoples such as the Caddo, Karankawa, and Jumano had their own cultures, or ways of life shared by people with similar beliefs and customs. Each group spoke its own language. They organized their bands differently, and they interacted with other groups differently. Some were peaceful, but some were warlike. While many lived in permanent communities, others moved frequently from one site to another.
^According to this excerpt, what was one difference among the early people in Texas?​

• a.  ​They had very different spiritual beliefs.
• b.  Some lived in bands and others lived in isolation.
• c.  The Caddo and Karankawa had the same ways of life, but the Jumano didn't.
• d.  ​Some settled in villages and others were nomadic.

The areas that are now West Texas and Southwest Texas were home to peoples of the Puebloan culture. The Puebloan culture was marked by settled village life with homes made of adobe, a mix of sun-dried earth and straw. Trees were scarce in the dry southwestern area where these peoples lived, making it difficult to build homes out of wood. However, since there was little rain, the homes lasted many years. 
What does this excerpt explain about the Puebloan culture?​

• a.  ​People of the Puebloan culture lived in adobe houses because wood was scarce.
• b.  People of the Puebloan culture lived in nomadic camps.
• c.  ​People of the Puebloan culture were scattered throughout Texas.
• d.  ​People of the Puebloan culture lived where there were few animals to hunt.

How was the technology of the bow and arrow an improvement over that of the spear?  

• a.    It allowed Native Americans to more easily follow a herd.
•  b.    ​It delivered a point with greater force.
• c.    It allowed Native Americans to settle and hunt in one place.   
• d.    ​It made it necessary to get closer to the target.

Which of the following statements supports the claim that the Mountains and Basins region has the highest elevations in the state?  

• a.    Mount Livermore is the state's most famous peak.
•   b.    ​The state's seven highest mountain peaks are in the region.
•    c.    ​The Rocky Mountains extend from Canada through Texas.
•    d.    ​Most of Texas's mountain peaks are along the Rio Grande.

The Jornada lived in Southwest Texas in ancient times. Originally they built pit houses that were partly underground and partly above ground. Later, they lived in adobe homes in the Puebloan style. They supported themselves by growing corn, beans, and squash. They lived near Hueco Tanks, a site near El Paso, where hollowed-out granite hills collect and store rainwater. For some unknown reason, the Jornada disappeared about the year 1400. Some historians believe they joined and merged with other Native American groups.​
What information in the excerpt explains how the Jornada were similar to other Puebloan peoples?

• a.  ​They lived in pit houses.
• b.  ​They stored rain water in hollowed out granite hills.
• c.  ​They disappeared about the year 1400.
• d.  ​They lived in adobe houses.

El Paso is the commercial center of the upper Rio Grande Valley. One factor contributing to trade here is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Its purpose was to lessen barriers to trade between the United States and Canada and Mexico. ​. . . The factories in Mexico provide low-cost labor for items such as clothing, auto parts, electronics, and toys for businesses in the United States, Japan, and elsewhere. In El Paso, goods from Mexico’s maquiladoras can be shipped to other factories and warehouses in the city for distribution.
_Based on the excerpt, how has the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) affected the
El Paso economy? 

• a.  ​Trade between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez has decreased since NAFTA went into effect.
• b.  Low-cost items have led to increased taxes since 1994.
• c.  Factories and warehouses in El Paso are used to distribute items made in Mexico.
• d.  Items made in Mexico are no longer available in El Paso.

The Jornada lived in Southwest Texas in ancient times. Originally they built pit houses that were partly underground and partly above ground. Later, they lived in adobe homes in the Puebloan style. They supported themselves by growing corn, beans, and squash. They lived near Hueco Tanks, a site near El Paso, where hollowed-out granite hills collect and store rainwater. For some unknown reason, the Jornada disappeared about the year 1400. Some historians believe they joined and merged with other Native American groups.​
_Based on the excerpt, which of the following statements about the Jornada is accurate?

•   a.  ​They are a modern day group living in Southwest Texas.
• b.  They originally lived in Northeast Texas.
• c.  They had an agricultural society.
• d.  ​They at first lived in adobe houses, then began to use pit houses.