How did the development of agriculture change the lives of early South American peoples?
A. More groups moved near the coasts.
B. Groups started to settle in one place.
C. Civilizations quickly developed.
D. Many groups developed a social hierarchy.
B. Groups started to settle in one place.
B. Groups started to settle in one place.
The correct answer is B. Groups started to settle in one place.
To understand the impact of the development of agriculture on early South American peoples, we need to consider the changes that occurred as a result of this shift in lifestyle. Agriculture refers to the systematic cultivation and domestication of plants and animals for food production. Before the development of agriculture, early South American peoples relied on hunting and gathering as their primary means of survival. However, with the advent of agriculture, significant changes took place.
One major change brought about by agriculture was the ability to grow crops and raise animals. This meant that people no longer had to rely solely on hunting and gathering to obtain food. They could now cultivate their own crops, such as maize (corn), potatoes, and quinoa, and raise livestock like llamas and guinea pigs. This reliable food source allowed early South American peoples to settle in one place rather than constantly moving in search of food.
As groups started settling in one place, they began to establish permanent villages and communities. This shift from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled one had far-reaching effects on their lives. It led to the development of more complex social structures, as people needed to work together to tend to their crops and raise their animals. Specialized labor emerged, with some individuals focusing on agriculture, while others specialized in other crafts and skills. This specialization eventually laid the foundation for the development of more advanced civilizations in South America.
It is important to note that while agriculture brought about significant changes in early South American societies, the process was gradual and varied across different regions. Some groups near coasts and rivers may have experienced increased population density due to access to fertile land and water for irrigation. However, option A (More groups moved near the coasts) is not the most accurate choice, as it doesn't encompass the broader impact of agriculture on settled lifestyles.
In summary, the development of agriculture in South America changed the lives of early peoples by allowing them to settle in one place, leading to the establishment of permanent villages and the development of more complex social structures.