Final answer:
The main characteristic shared by all hunting and gathering societies past and present is their reliance on gathering and hunting as their primary way of making a living.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main characteristic shared by all hunting and gathering societies past and present is their reliance on gathering and hunting as their primary way of making a living. In these societies, people gather fruits, nuts, berries, and roots, and hunt wild animals and fish as a means of obtaining food. They also practice a sexual division of labor, with men primarily engaging in hunting activities and women primarily responsible for gathering. Additionally, hunting and gathering societies are characterized by mobility, as they move in seasonal cycles over broad territories.