Final answer:
Herbivores like deer were a major source of food, clothing, and other materials for people. Hides from these animals were used for making shelters and blankets, while their meat served as a vital source of protein and sometimes medicine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deer and other herbivores have historically been a major source of food and materials for human populations. These animals, which also include species like bison and antelope, provided not only meat for sustenance but also hides that were essential for making shelters, clothing, and various other necessities. In addition to their nutritional value, some animals fulfilled medicinal roles as well. The practice of hunting these animals and preparing their hides for use was a complex task, often divided among the genders, with men typically hunting and women preparing the hides.
The importance of herbivores in the lives of people extends beyond their meat, as different types of hides had their own uses, such as heavy buffalo skins for blankets and lighter deer and antelope hides for clothing. Similarly, smaller animals like rabbits had soft hides that could be stitched into garments. These practices were not only crucial for survival but also played a significant role in shaping the socio-economic structures of communities, as depicted in historical hunting practices and the exchange of goods.