What animal was central to the plains Indians way of life but was hunted almost to extinction by white settlers?

The American bison, also known as the buffalo, was central to the Plains Indians' way of life, providing them with food, clothing, and materials for shelter. The arrival of white settlers in the 19th century led to mass hunting and a near extinction of the species, disrupting the traditional lifestyles of the Plains tribes. The decline of the bison population significantly impacted their culture, economy, and survival.