Final answer:
The doctrine of persistence holds that no matter how tiny an initial band of settlers may be, that first group is able to effect the later social and cultural geography of the area.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question is a) Persistence. The doctrine of persistence holds that no matter how tiny an initial band of settlers may be, that first group is able to effect the later social and cultural geography of the area. This means that even a small group of settlers can have a significant impact on shaping the social and cultural characteristics of a region over time.