Question

``The earliest human beings depended on their immediate environment for their sustenance.'' Examine the statement with reference to hunting and gathering.

Hint:

Hunter-gatherers = Direct dependence on nature.

Answer 1

Concept: Early human societies lived as hunter-gatherers and had a close relationship with nature. Their survival depended directly on the availability of natural resources in their surroundings. Explanation with Reference to Hunting and Gathering:

• Dependence on Natural Resources:
  Early humans relied on forests, rivers, and grasslands for food, water, and shelter.
• Hunting Animals:
  They hunted wild animals for meat, skins, and bones using primitive tools made of stone and wood.
• Gathering Edible Plants:
  Fruits, roots, nuts, seeds, and berries were collected from the wild for daily consumption.
• Nomadic Lifestyle:
  Since food sources were seasonal and limited, people moved from place to place in search of resources.
• Minimal Environmental Modification:
  Early humans had limited technology and did not significantly alter the environment.
• Knowledge of Nature:
  They developed deep knowledge of animal behaviour, plant types, and seasonal changes.

Conclusion:
Thus, hunting and gathering societies depended entirely on their immediate environment for sustenance, reflecting a strong human–nature relationship.