Why were animals an important natural resource for survival in the Middle colonies? Select all that apply.

Question

food for families

furs for trading

protectors of the colonists

pets for companionship

Answer 1

In the Middle colonies, animals were an important natural resource for survival for several reasons. The applicable reasons are:

1. Food for families: Animals provided essential sources of protein and other nutrients for the diets of settlers.
2. Furs for trading: The fur trade was a significant economic activity, and animals such as beavers were harvested for their pelts, which were valuable in trade.
3. Protectors of the colonists: Some animals, such as dogs, served as protection against intruders and wild animals, contributing to the safety of the settlers.
4. Pets for companionship: While this is a valid point about animals, it is less critical in the context of survival compared to the previous three points.

To summarize, the primary reasons animals were important for survival in the Middle colonies pertain to food, trade, and protection. While companionship is valuable, it was not as essential for survival in an economic sense.