Patterns of Subsistence: Food Foragers and Pastoralists

This program describes food foraging and pastoral societies, and explores several ancient patterns of subsistence, some of which are still followed today. The program describes how many societies adapt to their environment. For example, the African Kung gather nuts, fruits, berries and roots in their arid climate, and the Mbuti pygmy hunt large game in the African rainforest. Another segment shows the Netsilik Eskimos as they hunt seals in their harsh Arctic environment. Other segments include the Nepali sherpas as they herd zomo, a hybrid of a yak and a milk cow, and the Iranian Basseris as they search for fertile grazing land for sheep and goats. The program also features a modern forager as he searches among the discards of an urban area.