Which culture supported their society and settlements with complex irrigation systems?

The correct answer is the Southwest settlements, which refers to the groups that inhabited areas like the present-day southwestern United States, including parts of Arizona and New Mexico. These cultures, particularly the Hopi, Zuni, and Pueblo peoples, developed intricate irrigation systems to support agriculture in a region characterized by arid conditions. The use of sophisticated techniques to channel water from rivers and streams allowed them to cultivate crops such as maize (corn), beans, and squash, which were staples of their diet.

The reliance on irrigation not only shaped their agricultural practices but also influenced their settlement patterns, leading to the development of permanent villages and towns. This adaptation to the environment highlights the ingenuity of the Southwest tribes in managing their resources to ensure their survival and prosperity. They built adobe structures and developed a rich cultural life centered around their agricultural practices, making them distinct among the various indigenous cultures in North America.