1.2.b. The Neolithic Revolution and the Birth of Agriculture

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What is the Neolithic Revolution?

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The Neolithic Revolution refers to the period when humans began to transition from hunting and foraging to settled agriculture, around 10,000 to 15,000 years ago.

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What were some early characteristics of agriculture?

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Early agriculture involved the cultivation of wild plants and basic herding of livestock.

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Why did human societies become more complex during the Neolithic Revolution?

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A surplus in food production allowed some people to specialize in jobs other than food production, leading to more complex societies.

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What is pastoralism?

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Pastoralism is a branch of agriculture that involves the domestication and herding of animals, such as goats and sheep.

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What impact did agriculture have on human population?

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Agriculture significantly increased the availability of food, allowing the human population to grow from about 6-10 million to over 250 million by the time of the Roman Empire.

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What environmental impacts did agriculture have?

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Agriculture led to deforestation, soil depletion, and the spread of diseases from animals to humans.

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What tools did early agricultural societies use?

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Early agricultural societies used polished stone tools for farming and irrigation.

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What are some theories about why agriculture emerged?

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Theories include the end of the last glacial period, continued human development, and the need for stable food sources.

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How did agriculture change human lifestyles?

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Agriculture allowed people to settle in one place, build structures, and develop complex societies.

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What were the advantages of agriculture over hunting and foraging?

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Agriculture provided a more reliable food source, supported larger populations, and allowed for specialization of labor.