Final answer:
The American Indians that Hernando de Soto's expedition encountered in the 1540s were D) Creek.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hernando de Soto's expedition during the 1540s encountered the Creek Indians, among various other indigenous groups. The Creek, also known as the Muscogee, were a confederation of several tribes living in the southeastern United States, primarily in present-day Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. When de Soto's expedition arrived, the Creek people lived in villages, practiced agriculture, and had a complex social structure.
During his exploration, de Soto and his men interacted with and often clashed with the Creek and other indigenous communities, seeking food, information, and treasures. These encounters significantly impacted the Creek's way of life, leading to the introduction of diseases, conflicts, and disruptions to their societal structure.
The Creek had distinct cultural practices, including the construction of earthen mounds for ceremonial and religious purposes. Their encounters with the Spanish explorers left a lasting mark on their history and culture, influencing their interactions with European colonizers in the following centuries.
Correct answer: D) Creek