Explain how the domestication of plants and animals contributed to permanent settlements, moving humans from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to agricultural societies.

Answer:

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Prior to the first agricultural revolution, humans were nomads who followed the migration patterns of large animals. Men hunted or fished in coastal climates, while women gathered plants and berries. The first domestication of seed crops likely occurred about 10,000 years ago in Mesopotamia, also known as the Fertile Crescent. Independent domestication occurred in Mesoamerica, China, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. The domestication of plants was an elaborate process that required careful planting, fertilizing, and harvesting, in addition to a regular water supply. Agriculture was more labor-intensive than hunting and gathering and required people to remain stationary for at least part of the year. For these reasons, initial domestication began in areas where game was easy to find, mild climates were common, and water sources were available. The domestication of animals happened at about the same time. Goats likely were the first animal domesticated in Mesopotamia, followed by pigs, sheep, and cattle. Animal domestication provided labor, as well as meat, hides, and milk. These resources provided stability and less mobility, which contributed to the departure from a nomadic lifestyle.