What was the cause of civilizations developing a division of labor?
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1 point
A. Civilizations had food surpluses.
B. Civilizations had written languages.
C. Civilizations had small populations.
D. Civilizations had large armies.
A. Civilizations had food surpluses.
A. Civilizations had food surpluses.
To determine the cause of civilizations developing a division of labor, we need to analyze the answer choices provided:
A. Civilizations had food surpluses: This option suggests that civilizations developed a division of labor because they had food surpluses. A food surplus means that a civilization had more food than what was necessary for immediate consumption. This allowed some members of the society to specialize in tasks other than food production, leading to the division of labor. For example, individuals could focus on crafts, trade, governance, or other occupations.
B. Civilizations had written languages: This option suggests that civilizations developed a division of labor because they had written languages. While written languages are essential for communication and record-keeping, they are not a direct cause of the division of labor. The division of labor can exist even without written languages, as witnessed in ancient civilizations that utilized oral traditions.
C. Civilizations had small populations: This option suggests that civilizations developed a division of labor due to having small populations. However, a small population might limit the extent of specialization rather than promoting it. In larger populations, there is generally a greater potential for a diverse range of tasks and occupations to emerge.
D. Civilizations had large armies: This option suggests that civilizations developed a division of labor because they had large armies. While the presence of large armies might require specialization in military roles, it does not necessarily explain the overall development of a division of labor in a civilization.
Considering the given options, the most likely correct answer is A. Civilizations had food surpluses. Food surplus created the conditions for individuals to specialize in non-food-producing roles, leading to the division of labor. This allowed for the growth and development of various occupations within a society, contributing to the overall complexity and advancement of civilizations.