Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

The inhabitants of America prior to the arrival of Europeans were primarily the Indigenous peoples, which includes various groups commonly referred to as Native Americans and Inuit among others. These groups had established diverse cultures and societies across the continent long before European explorers arrived in the late 15th century.

The correct choice accurately highlights the Inuit and Native Americans as the original inhabitants. They created rich traditions, languages, and communities that thrived in the Americas, adapting to the diverse climates and landscapes they inhabited. Their histories and cultures are integral to understanding the history of the continent.

The other groups mentioned in the incorrect options—such as Mexicans or Canadians—did not exist as distinct nations before European colonization. Additionally, while Asians and Africans have ancient histories, their migration to America occurred after the European colonization began, making their inclusion in this context inaccurate. Similarly, Europeans and Pacific Islanders did not inhabit America prior to European contact. Thus, the correct answer recognizes those groups that truly lived in America before European settlers arrived.