What defines societies that utilize both domesticated animals and cultivated plants?

Agricultural societies are characterized by their reliance on both domesticated animals and cultivated plants for their subsistence and economic activities. This dual approach enhances food production, supports larger populations, and facilitates the development of more complex social structures. Since these societies cultivate crops and also raise livestock, they can leverage the advantages of both farming and animal husbandry.

Domesticated animals can provide labor for plowing fields and transportation, as well as sources of food, such as milk and meat. Meanwhile, cultivated plants ensure a stable food supply, which is crucial for sustaining larger communities. This integration enables agricultural societies to optimize land use and resource management, leading to advancements in technology, trade, and social organization.

In contrast, industrial societies focus predominantly on manufacturing and technological development rather than agriculture, while pastoral societies primarily rely on the herding of animals without significant reliance on crop cultivation. Horticultural societies, on the other hand, typically engage in small-scale farming and may rely more on hand tools for gardening rather than the comprehensive agricultural practices found in agricultural societies.