What major change did people make during the neolithic
agriculture revolution
During the Neolithic Agricultural Revolution, people made the major change of transitioning from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to an agricultural lifestyle. They started practicing agriculture and domesticating plants and animals for their survival and sustenance. This shift from nomadic hunting and gathering to settled farming had several significant impacts on human societies, including the development of permanent settlements, the rise of complex social structures, the division of labor, and the emergence of civilizations.
During the Neolithic agricultural revolution, people made several major changes in their way of life. Here are the steps involved in this transformation:
1. Transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture: The most significant change was the shift from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled agricultural lifestyle. Instead of relying solely on hunting and gathering for food, people began cultivating plants and domesticating animals.
2. Domestication of plants: People started to select and cultivate certain wild plants for their edible parts. They began controlling the reproduction of plants and eventually developed farming techniques such as seed dispersal and irrigation.
3. Domestication of animals: Humans also began taming and selectively breeding wild animals, thus creating a steady supply of meat, milk, and other products. Examples include the domestication of sheep, cattle, and pigs.
4. Development of permanent settlements: As people started farming and raising animals, they began to build permanent settlements. These settlements provided a stable base for agricultural activities and enabled the accumulation of surpluses.
5. Development of specialized tools and technologies: With the need to cultivate land and handle crops, people developed and refined various tools and technologies such as plows, sickles, and storage containers. These innovations made farming more efficient and productive.
6. Population growth and social organization: The ability to produce more food led to population growth. Larger populations required complex social structures, resulting in the development of communities and early forms of government.
7. Impact on society and environment: The Neolithic agricultural revolution brought about significant changes in society, including the emergence of private property, social stratification, and the division of labor. It also had an impact on the environment, as land was cleared for agriculture and certain species were selectively bred or driven to extinction.
Overall, the shift from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to agriculture during the Neolithic period had a profound impact on human history, enabling the development of settled societies and ultimately laying the foundation for civilization as we know it.