The Neolithic Revolution

Why might farming 'make the difference between a few million humans on the planet and there being billions of humans on the planet?'

• It provides a stable food source.

• It makes hunting easier.

• It reduces the need for shelter.

• It increases the number of predators.

Answer explanation

Farming provides a stable food source, which is essential for sustaining larger populations. Without it, food scarcity would limit human numbers, making farming crucial for supporting billions of people.

What caused humans to turn to farming instead of just hunting?

• Many animals had gone extinct.

• Farming was more fun.

• Hunting was too easy.

• Farming required less effort.

Answer explanation

Humans turned to farming primarily because many animals had gone extinct, making hunting less viable. This shift allowed for a more stable food source through agriculture, which became essential for survival.

What is the domestication of plants referred to as?

• Agriculture

• Hunting

• Fishing

• Mining

Answer explanation

The domestication of plants is known as agriculture, which involves cultivating crops for food, fiber, and other products. This distinguishes it from hunting, fishing, and mining, which involve gathering resources from the wild.

How did changes in the weather allow agriculture to happen?

• Better weather helps farming start.

• Worse weather helps farming start.

• Weather has no effect on farming.

• Weather makes farming impossible.

Answer explanation

Better weather provides favorable conditions such as adequate rainfall and suitable temperatures, which are essential for crops to grow. This allows agriculture to thrive, making the choice 'Better weather helps farming start' the correct answer.

How did early humans know what to farm?

• They selected plants based on ease of harvest and food supply.

• They chose plants randomly.

• They farmed whatever animals ate.

• They farmed only flowers.

Answer explanation

Early humans selected plants based on their ease of harvest and the availability of food supply, allowing them to cultivate crops that were most beneficial for their survival.

What does domestication refer to?

• Controlled ownership of animals

• Wild hunting

• Fishing

• Mining

Answer explanation

Domestication refers to the controlled ownership of animals, where humans manage breeding and care, distinguishing it from wild hunting, fishing, or mining, which involve natural resources without ownership.

Which was the first animal to be domesticated?

• Dogs

• Cats

• Horses

• Cows

Answer explanation

Dogs were the first animals to be domesticated, with evidence suggesting this occurred over 15,000 years ago. They were likely domesticated for companionship and assistance in hunting, making them the earliest human-animal bond.

How long ago were dogs first domesticated?

• 10,000 years ago

• 5,000 years ago

• 1,000 years ago

• 500 years ago

Answer explanation

Dogs were first domesticated around 10,000 years ago, making this the correct answer. This timeframe is supported by archaeological evidence indicating the early relationship between humans and dogs.

Which of the following is a positive of animal domestication?

• Some animals are better for transporting goods.

• Animals make farming harder.

• Animals reduce food supply.

• Animals increase predators.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights a positive aspect of animal domestication, as certain animals, like horses and donkeys, are indeed better suited for transporting goods, enhancing trade and efficiency in various tasks.

What is one benefit of animals being able to carry things farther and faster than humans?

• Helps trade networks grow

• Reduces trade

• Increases human labor

• Decreases efficiency

Answer explanation

Animals carrying goods farther and faster than humans facilitates trade, allowing for the expansion of trade networks. This efficiency in transportation helps connect different regions and boosts economic interactions.