Final answer:
The correct answers are that colonial villages in New England were built around a common area and that the middle colonies were known for their ethnic, religious, and economic diversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Answering the questions posed about characteristics of colonial New England and the middle colonies during the colonial period requires delving into the historical context of the respective regions. For colonial villages in New England, the most accurate description is that they were built around an area called a common, where community members could gather and which often served as pasture land for livestock.
In contrast, when considering the middle colonies during the colonial period, we find that they were marked by ethnic, religious, and economic diversity, providing a stark contrast to the more homogeneous New England settlements.
The middle colonies, including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, experienced significant population growth and economic expansion, leading to a higher standard of living and varied economic opportunities for its inhabitants.