Final answer:
Pastoralists are individuals who rely on herding domesticated animals, such as cattle, sheep, and camels, for subsistence. This mode of life, known as pastoralism, involves a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle centered around animal husbandry, with practices adjusted to accommodate environmental conditions. Notable pastoral societies include the Bedouin of the Arabian deserts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for people whose activities focus on domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, camels, yak, and others is pastoralists. These are nomadic or semi-nomadic groups who depend on the herding of domesticated livestock for their subsistence. Pastoralism is their mode of subsistence, which requires a deep understanding of the environment, animal behaviors, and a strategic approach to grazing in order to maintain a sustainable way of life. The process of animal domestication has allowed for the selective breeding of animals and has also led to a sexual division of labor in societies, where men and women may have specific roles associated with the care and use of these animals.
Among the most recognized pastoral societies are the Bedouin, who historically have herded camels, sheep, goats, and cattle across the deserts of Arabia and northern Africa. While bedouin remain as a well-recognized symbol of pastoral life, there are other pastoralist groups globally who follow similar patterns, adjusting their lifestyles according to geographical and environmental conditions. Pastoralists are known for their mobile lifestyle, moving with their herds to find fresh pastures and water sources, and this mobility is critical to prevent overgrazing and ensure the lands remain fertile for the herds. In recent times, however, changes in environmental conditions, societal adaptations, and economic pressures have caused pastoralists to sometimes supplement their traditional animal husbandry with agriculture or other forms of income.