Final answer:
Pastoral societies are characterized by mobility, with nomadic movements to find fresh pastures for their livestock. They have a complex social and cultural life centered on herd animals, which are critical for their survival and social status. Pastoralists also demonstrate a profound understanding of the environment and animal husbandry, contributing to ecological sustainability.
Step-by-step explanation:
One characteristic of pastoral societies is their mobility. These societies, such as the Maasai villagers, rely on the domestication of animals as their primary resource for survival. Pastoral groups are often nomadic, moving seasonally to find fresh pastures for their livestock, which is a key difference from agricultural societies that settle in one place due to crop farming. Mobility is a necessity for pastoralists because they depend heavily on large herds of animals that need access to different grazing lands to avoid overgrazing and to ensure the sustainability of both the herd and the environment.
Another characteristic of pastoral societies is their complex sociocultural relationship with the herds. Herd animals, such as sheep, cows, horses, and reindeer, are central to their way of life. Ownership of animals is not just for practical purposes but also plays a significant role in social status and cultural practices, with traditions of music, oral poetry, and social ceremonies developing around herding lifestyles.
Finally, pastoral societies engage in strategic movements that reflect a deep understanding of the environment and the needs of their animals. Through such practices as nomadism and transhumance, they maintain the health of their rangelands, indicating an intricate balance between ecological sustainability and the livelihood of the people.