Environment, Climate and Topography Natural resources and climatic conditions directly affect the lifestyle of indigenous people. These conditions determine what raw materials are available to be worked into usable materials such as clothing, dishware, tools and housing. It also determines what food sources are available and influence diet and eating rituals. The animals that touch the lives of an indigenous group are also determined by these factors. Animals can improve the lives of people when they are used to help with daily chores.
Animals also become characters in folk tales and serve as religious icons.
For example, nomads often live on open plains, where herding is encouraged. Foods eaten, as well as clothing worn by the nomad, come from the animals they herd. Rituals of nomadic groups often follow the cycle of the animal most affecting their lives, leading to spring celebrations of birthing rather than fall celebrations tied to harvesting. Housing, diet, clothing and religious rituals are affected by the lifestyle of a nomad. Housing must be portable to accommodate the movement of herds to food sources.