What is a critical survival skill Buck learns in the wilderness?

Buck's learning to find food in the wilderness is pivotal to his survival as he transitions from a domesticated dog to a wild animal. In "The Call of the Wild," Buck faces the harsh realities of life in the Yukon, where he must rely on his instincts and adapt to his surroundings. This skill not only ensures his survival but also enhances his physical conditioning and sharpens his instincts as he begins to thrive in a challenging environment.

The other options, while they might seem relevant, do not directly encompass the critical survival lessons Buck learns. Navigating with the stars or building shelter are not emphasized as key skills in the story; rather, they focus more on Buck's instinctual ability to hunt and find sustenance, which is essential for a wild animal's survival. Similarly, while escaping from predators is important, the primary journey in Buck's development centers on his ability to secure food, which ultimately allows him to survive and adapt to the brutal wilderness.