Which evidence provides the best evidence to support the conclusion that spanish exploration and settlement had a devastating effect on the mississippian chiefdoms of the southeast? a) during the two centuries following the discovery of the new world, over 90% of the native population were killed by disease and warfare. b) the food supply for hernando de soto's expedition was so scarce that his men reportedly ate the dogs in some indian villages. c) the spanish began importing african slaves to work in the fields and mines of the caribbean islands. d) the spanish captured fort caroline and executed the french settlers there in 1565.