Question

Please answer in essay form.

what are the benefits of different subsistence strategies? Name at least two with pros and cons (if there is any cons) .

Answer 1

Subsistence strategies refer to means of supporting life. To sustain life, humans (and even animals) adopt strategies to provide for themselves and their families. There are various kinds of subsistence strategies adopted by mankind in order to sustain and support life.

Foraging is the most basic form of subsistence strategy that involves gathering food by hunting, exploitation of plants and animals, etc. There are various benefits to this kind of strategy. It involves a small group of people that adhere to a nomadic lifestyle in search of food, and there are no formal leaders to perform daily activities. The group as a whole shares the same values and respect one another. It is, however, a difficult lifestyle since the group has to suffer from various geographical and weather conditions while constantly being on the move.

Another subsistence strategy is horticulture. Simple tools are used to cultivate plants for personal use. As opposed to the nomadic style, this strategy requires permanent settlement for the cultivation of plants. This strategy involves division of labor and hence leads to skill building of individuals. Another benefit is that crop rotation not only helps to maintain nutrient levels in soil, but also provide variety of minerals and vitamins to humans. However, this strategy is subject to various environmental factors like rich soil, rains/rivers for irrigation, etc.