The American continents are kind of overwhelmingly large. Considering this, it seems unlikely there was much population pressure akin to what Europe saw. Obviously there were phenomenal large scale settlements and cities built in the Americas as well, but I guess I'm asking in a more meta- sense. Was the 'the New World' mostly trackless wilds, or were there large regions defined by permaculture or cultivation of some kind?
1491 for all its successes and failures has a section on this. It would be a good introductory read and can get you going on places to go search more.
Hi there, the short answer to your question is that before and after contact, Native Americans had changed their natural landscape in significant ways. I am not an expert in the subject, but perhaps this portion of our FAQs will get you started as you await further answers.