Early humans lived in small hunter-gatherer societies, while modern humans live in large, complex societies. 2. Early humans relied on hunting and gathering for food, while modern humans have access to a variety of food sources. We must have food, water, air, and shelter to survive. If any one of these basic needs is not met, then humans cannot survive. Before past explorers set off to find new lands and conquer new worlds, they had to make sure that their basic needs were met.The discovery of fire and agriculture changed the life of early man. Later on he started making pottery. Invention of wheel also transformed the life of early man.