Final answer:
Edible plants made up a considerable part of hunter-gatherer diets, with specific foods like mongongo nuts being vital for certain populations. The division of labor in these societies also impacted what was consumed, with men typically hunting and women gathering.
Step-by-step explanation:
Edible plants made up a significant portion of the hunter-gatherer diet, alongside meats from hunting. In some cases, such as with the Dobe Juhoansi of the Kalahari Desert, a single type of food like mongongo nuts could provide a substantial amount of their nutritional intake. Fishing also played a crucial role in the diets of these populations, with techniques that included spears, nets, and bone hooks. The division of labor, where men primarily hunted and women gathered, influenced the types of foods consumed and the dietary balance between plant-based and animal-based foods.
The diets of hunter-gatherer societies were diverse, though plant foods such as nuts, fruits, berries, and wild grains often constituted a major part, providing essential calories and nutrients to these populations. These societies relied heavily on a deep knowledge of their environment to sustain their diets, highlighting the importance of biodiversity and a balanced ecosystem for their livelihood.