Why did archaic native Americans shift from big game hunting to foraging and hunting smaller animals?

Archaic Native Americans shifted from big game hunting to foraging and hunting smaller animals due to a combination of environmental changes and resource availability. As the climate warmed after the Ice Age, large game such as mammoths and mastodons became extinct or less accessible, prompting communities to adapt their subsistence strategies. This transition allowed for a more diverse diet and greater reliance on local resources, which included foraging for wild plants and hunting smaller game that were more abundant and easier to catch. Ultimately, this shift supported larger populations and more stable settlements.