The groups of humans that had to deal with more extreme yearly variations in weather and climate ie, More well defined seasons. Certainly had to adapt by being able to plan ahead, sometimes years in advance. This planning was one of the essential ingredients for developing a culture that valued creativity in dealing with environmental factors.
Meaning if you had to deal with seasons you either developed tools for dealing with them or you died out.
Oh, there you go, Grace, being all serious and stuff.
But I agree with you wholeheartedly on environmental factors driving adaptation and invention.
Some cultures evolved to the point of space flight.
Some still live in huts with dirt floors, and eat raw chickens.
The developmental delta between them is staggering.