Final answer:
The Woodland and Mississippian Indians were similar in their transition to settled agricultural lifestyles, dense societies with specialized roles, and broad trading networks evidenced by widespread artifact distribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Woodland and Mississippian Indians were both significant cultures within the Eastern Woodlands region of North America. They shared similarities in how they transitioned to more settled lifestyles due to advancements in agriculture. The Mississippian period is actually seen as an evolution from the late Woodland Period, with an increased reliance on large-scale, corn-based agriculture. This agricultural surplus underpinned the development of denser populations and facilitated complex societal structures including specialized artisans, mound builders, and social stratification. The Woodland Indians were also early agriculturalists and established settled communities, supported by their gathering and hunting. Both cultures engaged in widespread trade, evident in the distribution of artifacts across vast distances, and shared cultural practices in the construction of ceremonial mounds.