Question

With which of the following subsistence patterns are people most likely to intentionally produce a surplus of food to sell or exchange for things that they cannot produce themselves?

a) foraging
b) horticulture
c) both are equally likely

Answer 1

In comparing foraging and horticulture, it is horticulture that is most likely to produce a surplus of food for sale or exchange, as foragers do not typically gather more than what is immediately necessary for survival.

Step-by-step explanation:

The specific question addresses which subsistence pattern is most likely to produce a surplus of food for sale or exchange: foraging or horticulture. In the context of subsistence patterns, foraging refers to the gathering of wild food and hunting, while horticulture involves the cultivation of gardens or small fields to sustain a family unit with some production potentially exceeding family needs. Given that foraging is typically a hand-to-mouth existence with little opportunity for surplus due to the nature of wild resources, it's the horticultural subsistence pattern that intentionally produces a surplus of food. This surplus is meant for selling or exchanging for items that cannot be produced by the horticultural community itself.

Extensive horticulture, which is less intensive than agriculture, allows for the creation of a modest surplus that can be accumulated by families or village leaders, which in turn can support non-farming roles such as craftspeople or religious specialists. This surplus is especially important in lean months before the next harvest. Therefore, of the two options given - foraging and horticulture - the practice most likely to intentionally produce a surplus of food for the purpose of sale or exchange is horticulture.