Diversity and homogeneity in world societies

Note

In East Eurasia and the Circum-Mediterranean, intensive agriculture predominates, while shifting agriculture characterizes most societies in Africa and South America. Horticulture is frequent only in the Insular Pacific. Animal husbandry is a secondary subsistence activity in East Eurasian and African societies, and a substantial part of the subsistence economy in 60% of all Circum-Mediterranean societies, but minimal or nonexistent elsewhere. Hunting, gathering, and fishing dominate subsistence in North America (90% of all societies), and provide a substantial complement to shifting agriculture in South America (70% of all societies).