Hunter Gatherer and Early Agricultural Food Systems

Hunter-gatherers consumed: ​

• Fruits the size of tennis balls

• Meat they found dead or killed. ​

• Meat from large animals such as woolly mammoths ​

• Nuts and seeds from crops they domesticated. ​

Hunter-gatherers' daily activities revolved around their desire for food. ​

• They planted foods before moving on to another location which increased the likelihood of a food supply when they returned. ​

• They foraged for plants like grasses, tubers, fruits, seeds, and nuts. ​

• They ensured the food they prepared tasted as good as it looked. ​

• They sourced as much food as possible and stored what they could not consume​

It is thought that in hunter-gatherer societies:

• Men were required to hunt, which was the most important job in the camp.

• Women were required to gather plants to eat, which was considered equally important as hunting. ​

• Children learned about responsibility by caring for wild animals.

• Elderly members of the tribe were not considered an asset.​

Over time, the hunter-gatherers became more skilled at hunting due to: ​

• Making sharper tools.

• Changes in the landscape resulting in animals having more places to hide. ​

• The increasing number of members in tribes. ​

• Developing their skills and knowledge.​

What is a hunter-gatherer food system?

• A system where food is produced through farming and animal husbandry.

• A system where food is collected from wild plants and animals.

• A system where food is sourced through trade with other communities.

• A system where food is grown in large-scale industrial farms.

Which of the following foods were typically consumed in a hunter-gatherer food system?

• Wheat, barley, and rice.

• Wild fruits, nuts, fish, and game meat.

• Livestock products such as milk and eggs.

• Processed foods such as bread and cheese.

What is the primary difference between hunter-gatherer food systems and early agricultural food systems?

• Hunter-gatherers relied on farming to produce food, while agricultural systems relied on hunting.

• Agricultural food systems were less efficient in feeding populations compared to hunter-gatherer systems.

• Agricultural food systems were based on fishing, while hunter-gatherers grew crops.

• Hunter-gatherers moved regularly to find food, while agricultural systems involved permanent farming settlements.

Which of the following was a key advantage of hunter-gatherer food systems?

• It encouraged a high degree of mobility, making it easier to find food sources.

• It allowed for a steady, surplus food supply.

• It led to population growth in permanent settlements.

• It required less time and effort to acquire food than early agriculture.

What was one major challenge faced by hunter-gatherer societies in feeding larger populations?

• They had large, easily accessible farms.

• They had access to a variety of crops for trade.

• Food availability was dependent on seasonal changes and unpredictable hunting success.

• They relied on advanced irrigation techniques.

What types of food were produced in early agricultural food systems?

• Wild berries, nuts, and fish.

• Domestic crops like wheat, barley, and legumes, and domesticated animals.

• Fish and seafood were the main sources of food.

• Only fruits and vegetables from wild plants.