Here is the solution to the worksheet “Tribes of the Great Plains,” with clear explanations for each question based on the text provided.
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1. What does nomadic hunters mean?
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Answer: Nomadic hunters are people who move from place to place (nomadic) in search of wild animals to hunt for food and other resources (hunters). They do not live in one permanent location but follow animal herds or seasonal patterns.
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Explanation: The text says: “The Native Americans who lived on the Great Plains were mostly nomadic hunters, meaning they moved from place to place to follow wildlife.” So “nomadic” = moving around; “hunters” = people who hunt animals. Together, it describes a lifestyle dependent on hunting and mobility.
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2. Who introduced horses to North America?
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Answer: The Spanish explorers of the 16th century introduced horses to North America.
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Explanation: The text clearly states: “The Spanish explorers of the 16th century brought horses to North America.” This was a major turning point for Plains tribes, as horses revolutionized their way of life — especially hunting and travel.
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3. What were the portable homes called?
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Answer: The portable homes were called tepees (or tipis).
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Explanation: The text says: “They lived in portable homes, called tepees or tipis, which could be taken apart and carried to new locations.” The image also shows a tepee and labels it. Both spellings (“tepees” and “tipis”) are acceptable; “tipi” is closer to the original Lakota word.
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4. Why were buffalo almost extinct?
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Answer: Buffalo were almost extinct because white Americans killed so many of them that the animal was almost extinct by the end of the 19th century. This was partly to force Native Americans off the land and partly to feed workers building railroads.
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Explanation: The text explains: “Large hunts by white Americans killed so many buffalo that the animal had almost extinct by the end of the 19th century.” It also adds context: “The Plains tribes had a difficult time finding enough buffalo to feed their people.” The U.S. government and settlers deliberately targeted buffalo to undermine Native American livelihoods.
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5. What are reservations?
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Answer: Reservations are lands assigned by the U.S. government to Native American tribes after many battles. These were areas where tribes were forced to settle and live.
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Explanation: The text says: “After many battles with the U.S. Army, many of the Plains tribes were forced to settle on reservations, which was land assigned to them by the U.S. government.” Reservations were often smaller, less fertile lands than their original territories, and represented forced relocation and loss of traditional ways of life.
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✔ Final Tip for Students:
Always look back at the passage for direct evidence — these answers are all found in the text. Underline key phrases while reading to make answering easier!
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Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of native american worksheet for 4th grade.
