What does the term 'hunter-gatherer' imply about a population's food sources?

The term 'hunter-gatherer' specifically refers to a population that primarily sustains itself through foraging for wild plants and hunting wild animals. This lifestyle is characterized by the absence of agriculture or domestication of animals, as hunter-gatherers depend on the natural availability of food sources in their environment. Their diet is often varied and seasonally adjusted based on the flora and fauna accessible in a particular region.

The designation 'hunter-gatherer' emphasizes the dual role of these societies in gathering edible plants, berries, nuts, and roots, in addition to hunting and fishing for protein sources. This adaptive strategy allowed for mobility and flexibility regarding resources, which were not fixed to cultivated plots or domesticated animals, thereby making their food acquisition methods distinct from those of agricultural societies.