How did the environment influence the cultures of the northwest and southwest?

The correct answer is the following.

Environment influenced the cultures of the Northwest and Southwest Native American tribes in different forms.

Nature was a big part of the belief systems of Native American tribes. The relationship they had with mother nature was so close that became part of its folklore, culture, and traditions. The environment represented the way they lived because nature provided them with everything they need to survive. Some tribes prospered through hunting, others through agriculture. Any way or the other, the tribes always had their bare necessities satisfied and they expressed their gratitude through chants and dances.

They even created totems or symbolisms that represented an aspect of the environment. It could be animal representations in their clothes or hats, it could be chants honoring the rain, the mountains or the prairies, it could be dance dedicated to animals such as the Wolf or to the Moon.  

answer; i believe that the correct answer is (scientific approach)