What led to the transformation of Native American groups from nomadic to sedentary lifestyles?

The domestication of maize was pivotal in transforming the lifestyles of Native American groups from nomadic to sedentary. This agricultural development allowed communities to cultivate crops reliably, providing a stable food source. With maize being a highly nutritious staple, groups began to establish permanent settlements near their fields, which led to the development of more complex societal structures.

As these groups settled, they could invest in building infrastructure such as homes and storage facilities, which further encouraged a sedentary way of life. This transition also paved the way for advancements in technology, art, and social organization, as the need for mobility decreased. In contrast, while the introduction of the horse and the decline of the buffalo certainly had profound effects on certain Native American cultures, they did not foster sedentary lifestyles in the same way that agricultural practices did. Similarly, the spread of the desert may have influenced migration patterns or adaptations but was not a direct cause of the shift to settled agricultural communities.