Final answer:
The oldest human subsistence pattern is foraging, predating other practices like pastoralism and horticulture. Horticultural societies were among the first to have permanent residences, thanks to the practice of cultivating plants in settled areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oldest human subsistence pattern is foraging. Foraging, also known as gathering-hunting, is a mode of subsistence that relies on the direct use of natural resources for food and other necessities, such as clothing and shelter. This strategy was employed by humans long before the development of pastoralism, horticulture, and agriculture, which involved the domestication of plants and animals and eventually led to permanent settlements and more complex societies.
In terms of permanent residences, the first societies to establish them were likely horticultural societies. These societies began the practice of cultivating plants in a settled area, which eventually led to more stability and the accumulation of material goods. This permanent, sedentary lifestyle marks a significant shift from the nomadic lifestyle of foraging societies.