Final answer:
Teepees are conical tents made of animal skins, associated with the nomadic tribes of the Great Plains, while wikiups are smaller dome-shaped shelters and wigwams are semi-permanent dome structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary difference between teepees, wikiups, and wigwams lies in their structure and geographic distribution. A teepee, or tipi, is a cone-shaped tent traditionally made of animal skins upon wooden poles, associated with the nomadic tribes of the Great Plains like the Lakota, Sioux, and Blackfoot. The design of the teepee with its central smoke hole and the ability to quickly erect or dismantle it made it well-suited for the nomadic lifestyle on the Plains.
Wikiups are dome-shaped dwellings made with a frame of arched wooden poles covered in brush, leaves, and sometimes hides or cloth. They are often smaller, less durable than teepees, implying more temporary or seasonal use.
Wigwams are semi-permanent dome-shaped dwellings, with a frame of wooden poles covered by bark, reed mats, or hides. Unlike teepees, wigwams were made to stay put for longer periods and can be found in forested areas in the Northeastern United States and Canada.
The teepee is cleverly designed to suit the climactic conditions of the Great Plains. Its conical shape allowed it to resist strong winds and its tiltable smoke flaps could be adjusted to protect the interior from rain. In winter, a small fire in the center could warm the teepee efficiently, with smoke escaping through the top, while the lining inside insulated against the cold. The mobility of the teepee was also a climatic benefit, as it could be moved to different locations depending on seasonal weather patterns.