Final answer:
The early colonists survived by adapting through agriculture, trade, and using indentured servants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The early colonists in North America adapted to their environments in various ways to ensure their survival. One way they adapted was through agriculture. In the New England colonies, farmers grew mainly for self-sufficiency and engaged in whaling and fishing for export.
The middle colonies focused on growing grains and raising livestock, while the Chesapeake colonies remained committed to tobacco production but also diversified their crops. The southern colonies exported goods like rice, indigo, and salt pork.
Another way the colonists survived was through trade. They established trade networks with Native American tribes, exchanging goods and resources. For example, the southern colonies traded deerskins, while the New England colonies traded with Native Americans for fur.
A third way the early colonists survived was through the use of indentured servants. Many colonists relied on indentured servants, primarily European immigrants, who agreed to work for a set period of time in exchange for transportation to the colony. This labor force helped the colonists establish and sustain their settlements.