The Evolution of Agriculture

The Evolution of Agriculture

A brief exploration of the development and changes in agricultural practices throughout history.

Agriculture Creates a New Way of Life

• Around 7000 B.C. people began to raise edible plants from seeds.

• By 5000 B.C., many people began to grow squash, gourds, beans, avocados, and chilies.

• By 3400 B.C. early farmers grew maize, or corn.

  • Maize became the most important crop because it grew easily in the tropical climate and was highly nourishing.

Multiple Choice

When did people start growing plants from seeds?

• Around 1000 BC

• Around 7000 BC

• Around 0 BC

• Around 500 BC

Multiple Choice

When did people start growing squash, gourds, beans, avocado's & chilies?

• Around 100 BC

• Around 70 BC

• Around 0 BC

• Around 5000 BC

Multiple Choice

When did people start growing maize (corn)?

• Around 3400 BC

• Around 700 BC

• Around 1000 BC

• Around 50 BC

The Effects of Agriculture

• The development of farming changed the way people lived

  • People began to settle in permanent villages

    • No longer nomadic

  • People raised corn and other crops.

    • No longer hunter-gatherers

  • People had more time to learn new skills

    • Focused on building, crafts & social organization rather than survival

Multiple Choice

After they began farming, people no longer had to move around to find food, they were no longer...

• hungry

• thirsty

• farmners

• nomads

Multiple Choice

After they began farming, people had a lot more ______________ to learn new skills

• Time

• Money

• Space

• Power

Agriculture:

• A reliable food source revolutionized human life.

• New skills like arts, crafts, and architecture emerged.

• Complex societies were formed.

Multiple Choice

What did agriculture provide to human life?

• A reliable food source

• New skills like arts, crafts, and architecture

• Complex societies

• Agriculture did not revolutionize human life

Maize in Central Mexico

Trivia: Maize, also known as corn, became the most important crop in central Mexico. It played a vital role in the region's agriculture and culture. Maize was not only a staple food but also used in religious ceremonies and as currency. It was cultivated in various colors and sizes, providing a diverse range of uses and flavors.

Fun fact: The ancient Mayans believed that humans were created from maize.

The Impact of Agriculture

Agriculture revolutionized, or dramatically changed, human life. It provided a reliable food source, allowing families to settle down and form larger communities. With more time on their hands, humans developed new skills like arts, crafts, and architecture. This led to the rise of complex societies.

Multiple Choice

What crop became the most important in central Mexico?

• Squashes

• Gourds

• Beans

• Maize