Final answer:
The cultures of the Archaic peoples of the Eastern Woodland were shaped by the abundance of rivers and lakes. These water sources provided fresh water, hunting and fishing grounds, transportation, and facilitated trade and communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The environmental factor that shaped the cultures of the Archaic peoples of the Eastern Woodland was abundance of rivers and lakes. The Eastern Woodlands region had many rivers and lakes, which provided fresh water for settlement and also served as hunting and fishing grounds. These abundant water sources allowed for the development of settled agricultural communities and facilitated communication and trade between different areas.
For example, the rivers and lakes in the region provided fresh water for the people to drink, irrigate crops, and sustain various forms of marine life. It also allowed for transportation and trade, as rivers acted as natural highways for the movement of goods and resources between different groups.