Mostly based on farming and ranching.
♢ ______________ were mostly self-sufficient.
Farming communities
Farming and ranching communities were mostly self-sufficient.
To answer the question, we need to understand what "mostly based on farming and ranching" refers to. This phrase suggests that the given subject, which is not explicitly mentioned in the question, relies heavily on agricultural activities such as growing crops and raising animals.
Now, let's focus on the blank in the statement: "______________ were mostly self-sufficient." The missing word is related to the subject that is primarily engaged in farming and ranching.
Self-sufficiency means being able to provide for one's own needs without relying on external assistance. In the context of farming and ranching, it indicates the ability to produce enough food, materials, and resources to support oneself and one's community.
Therefore, one possible answer to the blank is "Farmers and ranchers." Farmers and ranchers often work on land dedicated to agriculture and animal husbandry, growing crops and raising livestock to sustain themselves and their families. Historically, many farming communities aimed to be self-sufficient, relying on their own resources rather than relying on external sources for their needs.