Comprehension
Hunting and Food Gathering
The earliest human beings depended on their immediate environment for their sustenance. They subsisted on: animals which they hunted; and the edible plants which they gathered from forests in the vicinity.
Primitive societies depended on wild animals. People located in very cold and extremely hot climates survived on hunting. The people in the coastal areas still catch fish though fishing has experienced modernization due to technological development. Many species, now have become extinct or endangered due to illegal hunting (poaching). The early hunters used primitive tools made of stones, twigs or arrows so the number of animals killed was limited. Gathering and hunting are the oldest economic activity known. These are carried out at different levels with different orientations.
Gathering is practised in regions with harsh climatic conditions. It often involves primitive societies, who extract, both plants and animals to satisfy their needs for food, shelter and clothing. This type of activity requires a small amount of capital investment and operates at very low level of technology. The yield per person is very low and little or no surplus is produced.
Question: 1

Examine the impact of poaching on wild animals.

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When discussing the impact of poaching, focus on the loss of biodiversity and its long-term environmental effects on ecosystems.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Illegal hunting, known as poaching, has severely harmed wild animal populations. Species that were once common are now extinct or endangered due to these illegal practices. The decline of these species disrupts ecological balance and reduces biodiversity, impacting not only the animals but also the plants and other wildlife reliant on them.
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Question: 2

Why was hunting of animals limited in early times? Explain.

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When explaining early hunting practices, consider the limitations imposed by technology and the balance required for survival in harmony with nature.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Early human hunting was restricted by rudimentary tools like stones, twigs, and arrows, which were inefficient for large-scale capture. Furthermore, early humans relied on the environment for sustenance and had to prevent the overhunting of vital species. The limited technology and small-scale hunting practices consequently controlled the number of animals taken.
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Question: 3

Why did early man depend upon his immediate natural environment? Explain.

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In early human history, the environment directly influenced survival, as humans had to adapt to local conditions for food, shelter, and clothing.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Early humans' survival was dictated by their immediate natural surroundings due to a deficiency in technology for food production or complex shelter construction. Their sustenance and fundamental requirements were met by hunting animals and gathering plants. Resource availability in their environment was critical for their existence, as transportation and trade options were scarce. This ecological reliance also influenced early human societies to develop adaptive strategies, utilizing natural provisions.
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