Final answer:
The difference between thriving and surviving mode lies in the level of prosperity and sustainability; surviving focuses on meeting basic needs often under difficult conditions, while thriving encompasses growth and an improved quality of life beyond basic survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between thriving and surviving mode refers to two distinct approaches to how species, including humans, make a living and ensure the continuation of their existence in the face of environmental challenges. Surviving mode implies a basic level of existence where individuals or groups focus primarily on meeting their immediate needs for food, clothing, shelter, and health, often under pressure or adverse conditions. This is akin to Type III survivorship curves where a high death rate means many individuals die young and few live to old age, reflecting a fierce struggle for existence where only those with suitable adaptations survive and reproduce.
In contrast, thriving mode suggests a more prosperous state where not only are basic needs met, but there is also growth, development, and a higher quality of life. This can be seen in societies where modes of subsistence such as industrialism/post-industrialism enable the production, exchange, and consumption of goods and services at a level that fosters well-being and sustainability. However, it's important to note that historically, modes of subsistence like gathering-hunting, pastoralism, and plant cultivation, despite their sustainable interaction with the environment, have been impacted by industrialism and the global capitalist market, leading to significant changes in subsistence strategies.