Answer:American Indians living near the coast were able to rely on the water as a source of food. As a result, coastal people were able to settle permanently knowing they could count on rivers, bays, and the ocean to provide fish and other foods. This led to the development of permanent structures like longhouses and the development of communities. Plateau people, on the other hand, could not rely on a single source of food. They were forced to become hunters and gatherers, moving from place to place in search of food and shelter. Because the land did not provide a consistent food source, American Indians living on the plateaus moved frequently. This is reflected in their temporary tepee shelters.
