According to the lecture, New Mexico's early mission sites were used to characterize the geographic theme of ___________.

The early mission sites in New Mexico exemplify the theme of human-environment interaction because they illustrate how the Spanish colonizers adapted to and modified their surroundings in order to establish a presence in the New World. These missions were strategically located in areas that allowed for access to resources such as water and fertile land, which were crucial for agriculture and sustaining the settlers and indigenous populations.

The missions also played a significant role in reshaping the cultural and social dynamics of the region. They were not only religious centers but also focal points for the introduction of European practices and changes to the local environment, including land use and agriculture. The interaction between humans (both colonizers and Native Americans) and their environment is a central aspect of how these missions contributed to the development of New Mexico's historical landscape.

While location, movement, and region are important geographic themes, they do not encapsulate the idea of how the missions were integral to the interactions between humans and their environments. Location refers more to the specific geographical coordinates of the missions, movement involves the changes in people and goods across regions, and region focuses on the distinctive characteristics that define a particular area. The correct choice emphasizes the dynamic relationship between humans and their physical surroundings that was evident in the establishment and evolution of New Mexico