What characterizes the Karankawa people in terms of their social structure?

The Karankawa people are characterized by a nomadic lifestyle primarily due to their reliance on the abundant natural resources along the Gulf Coast of Texas. This coastal environment provided them with access to a rich supply of food, including fish and game. As a result, they adapted their way of life to follow the seasonal availability of these resources, moving from place to place rather than establishing permanent settlements.

This nomadic nature influenced various aspects of their social structure, including their social organization and cultural practices. Their mobility allowed them to form loose bands or groups, which were more conducive to their hunting and gathering lifestyle. While they may have engaged in some trade or temporary alliances with neighboring tribes, their social structure did not emphasize a well-organized political system, strong agricultural practices, or highly developed trade networks typical of more sedentary societies. Thus, the nomadic lifestyle is the defining characteristic of the Karankawa people.