Final answer:
Wildlife served multiple purposes to the early settlers, including as a source of food, trading commodities, and for ecological balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The wildlife served several purposes to the early settlers. Firstly, hunting wild animals provided them with a source of food. They hunted animals like bison, antelope, deer, rabbits, and birds for their meat. Additionally, they utilized the hides of these animals for making clothing by stitching them together with plant materials.
Secondly, wildlife resources like beaver pelts were valuable commodities that could be traded with European settlers. The popularity of beaver-trimmed hats in Europe led to the overhunting of beavers in some areas, which had significant environmental consequences. However, the fur trade provided economic opportunities for the early settlers.
Lastly, wildlife also played a role in the ecological balance of the early settlements. For example, beaver ponds served as habitats for fish and provided water sources for other animals. The loss of beavers due to overhunting had ripple effects on the ecosystem.