How did native Americans adapt to permanent settlements?

Native Americans adapted to permanent settlements primarily by building houses of clay and earthen mounds. As communities transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agricultural practices, they constructed more durable structures that could withstand the elements and provide better shelter. These homes, often made from materials readily available in their environments, were designed to support a stable lifestyle that included farming, which in turn allowed for the development of complex communities and social structures. The use of clay and earth in construction maximized both resource availability and climatic resilience, paving the way for larger populations and a more robust cultural development.

The other options do not directly relate to the adaptation to permanent settlements; for instance, a nomadic lifestyle contradicts the very concept of settling permanently. Moving to colder climates does not inherently contribute to adaptation in settlements, and relying on fishing as the primary food source might apply to specific tribes but does not encompass the broader adaptation strategies of Native Americans as they built permanent communities. Thus, the construction of durable housing was a fundamental aspect of their transition and adaptation.