What characterizes "hunter-gatherer societies"?

Hunter-gatherer societies are characterized by small, mobile groups that rely on wild plants and animals for their subsistence. This lifestyle typically involves a nomadic or semi-nomadic existence, where groups move frequently in search of food resources that are not cultivated or domesticated. The mobility is crucial for following seasonal patterns of plant growth and animal migration, which allows these societies to obtain a diverse diet.

The social structure of hunter-gatherer groups is often egalitarian, with decisions made collectively rather than through a centralized authority. Their small group size facilitates close social bonds and cooperation in resource gathering and sharing. This contrasts sharply with larger, sedentary communities that engage in agriculture or possess complex governmental systems, existing primarily in permanent settlements. This distinction underscores the fundamental differences in subsistence strategies and social organization between hunter-gatherer societies and those that have transitioned to agriculture or urban living.