Final answer:
The Mississippian societies were best characterized as agrarian and mound-building. They practiced large-scale agriculture and constructed large ceremonial mounds.
The Correct option is; b) Agrarian and mound-building
Step-by-step explanation:
Which of the following best characterizes the Mississippian societies described in the excerpt? The answer is b) Agrarian and mound-building. The Mississippian culture, which originated in the Mississippi River Valley, was known for its large-scale, corn-based agriculture and for constructing some of the largest ceremonial mounds in the Eastern Woodlands region. These mounds supported a complex society with a dense population and specialized artisans.
In the given options, while "Pastoral and trading" does reflect a settled lifestyle, it does not encompass the significant characteristic of mound-building associated with Mississippians. Therefore, the best characterization is 'Agrarian and mound-building'.