Which of the following terms refers to the indigenous populations inhabiting a particular area?

The term "Native Americans" specifically refers to the indigenous populations that originally inhabited the Americas before the arrival of European settlers. This term encompasses a diverse range of various tribes and cultures that have their own distinct languages, traditions, and histories connected to the land.

Native Americans have a rich cultural heritage and have played a significant role in the historical development of the United States and other regions of the Americas. Their connection to the land is central to their identity and heritage, as they have lived in these regions for thousands of years.

In contrast, the other terms refer to groups of people who arrived in the Americas later. Colonists and settlers are typically associated with those who moved to the Americas from Europe to establish new communities, while explorers are individuals who traveled to new regions primarily for the purpose of discovering and mapping them, often at the expense of the indigenous populations. Thus, "Native Americans" is the only term that accurately represents the original inhabitants of the area.