What does "hunters and gatherers" refer to?

The term "hunters and gatherers" specifically describes societies that sustain themselves primarily through foraging, hunting wild animals, and gathering edible plants, fruits, and nuts from their natural environment. This lifestyle is characterized by a reliance on the available resources in the wild, which means they do not cultivate crops or domesticate animals for food, as seen in agricultural societies.

In these communities, people move periodically to follow the seasonal availability of resources, showcasing a deep understanding of their local ecosystems. The practices of hunting and gathering have been fundamental to human survival for the majority of our species' history, and they continue to provide insights into human adaptation and social organization.

The other answer choices refer to different subsistence strategies. For instance, societies that grow crops for food represent agricultural communities, while those that rely on livestock farming encompass pastoralism. Communities that trade goods and services focus on economic exchanges rather than subsistence methods. Thus, the correct understanding of "hunters and gatherers" directly links to their dependence on wild resources for food.