Which of the following statements best explains why, by the year 1500, there were hundreds of Native American groups with diverse religious beliefs, economies, and languages?
A) The local environment influenced each group in different ways.
B) Spiritual beliefs dictated many groups' distinct cultural growth.
C) Contagious disease caused the people to form smaller groups.
D) Trading practices led to the establishment of specialized cultures.
Creating America: A History of The United States, McDougal Littell, 2005, page S7