Who were the original inhabitants of America before any immigrants arrived?

The correct answer identifies Native Americans as the original inhabitants of America, who lived on the continent long before the arrival of any immigrants or settlers from other parts of the world. Archaeological evidence suggests that Indigenous peoples have been present in North America for thousands of years, developing rich cultures, languages, and societies that varied widely across different regions.

In contrast, colonists, explorers, and settlers refer to individuals or groups who arrived later, primarily from Europe, during the age of exploration and colonization. Colonists typically established permanent settlements, explorers often sought new lands for their nations, and settlers moved to these new areas to create communities and farms. However, none of these groups were the original inhabitants, which is why Native Americans are recognized as the first peoples on the continent.