Final answer:
Jamestown settlers starved because they prioritized searching for gold over establishing food sources, lacked survival skills, and had poor relations with the Powhatan tribe, leading to a disastrous period called the "Starving Time."
Step-by-step explanation:
The settlers at Jamestown faced starvation even though the area was abundant with game due to several reasons. Initially, their focus on finding gold and silver distracted from the critical task of establishing sustainable food sources. Furthermore, a lack of experience among the settlers in farming and hunting in the New World environment, as well as conflicts and poor relations with the Powhatan tribe, contributed to their inability to secure sufficient food. The leadership, especially after John Smith's departure, was not competent in managing the survival needs of the colony. As a result, during the winter of 1609-1610, known as the "Starving Time," the colony nearly collapsed due to extreme hunger and the loss of lives.