Describe the conditions leading to the transition from food gathering to food cultivation. Also, briefly describe the differences and similarities in agriculture around the world

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANSWER:
Changes in the global climate about ten thousand years ago made increased food supplies necessary, and humans began manipulating native plants to produce more food. As hunter-gatherers returned yearly to the same sites, they deliberately scattered seeds from desirable plants to encourage their growth. Using fire and rudimentary tools, they cleared land for cultivation and discouraged the growth of unwanted plants. Selecting seeds from the highest-yielding plants eventually led to new types of crops. Climate and soil conditions heavily influenced the development of agriculture. Emmer wheat and barley were among the first grains grown in the Middle East but were unsuitable for humid or dry climates. In those areas, root crops or other grains such as sorghum and millet predominated. Agricultural Revolutions developed independently in many different places. Maize, for example, became the most important domesticated crop in the Americas but was unknown in other parts of the world.