Final answer:
The traditional Inuit diet includes seal and salmon, which are well suited to their Arctic environment. Potatoes and rice are not part of their traditional diet. Hunting and fishing form the basis of the Inuit's food source, with a heavy reliance on animal protein.
Step-by-step explanation:
Traditional Diet of the Inuit People
The traditional diet of the Inuit people, indigenous to regions like northern Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, primarily consists of food sources available in their arctic environment. Among the choices provided, both seal and salmon would be part of the Inuit traditional diet. Seals are a crucial part of the diet due to their abundance and utility, providing not only meat but also fuel, hides for clothing, and materials for constructing necessities like ocean-going vessels. Similarly, salmon is an essential protein source particularly for the peoples of the Pacific Northwest. In contrast, potatoes and rice are not traditionally part of the Inuit diet, as these crops are not native to the arctic environment and could not be easily cultivated or obtained historically.
The Inuit diet is largely dictated by the harsh cold environment, where hunting and fishing are paramount to survival. The consumption of a higher proportion of meat is necessary due to the limited availability of edible plants. Over-reliance on animal protein can lead to nutritional deficiencies; however, the Inuit have historically thrived on their hunter-gatherer dietary practices.