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What effect did agricultural tools have on the development of cities?

A
Agricultural tools could be used to dig holes for house building.

B
Agricultural tools allowed early humans to grow a surplus of food, thus freeing up time to build settlements that grew into cities.

C
Agricultural tools needed to be made by an expert. Humans gathered near the expert and settlements developed.

D
Settlements developed so humans would not have to travel far to trade their agricultural tools.

User Timurib
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2 Answers

3 votes

I think the answer is B

User Jkammerer
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Final answer:

The correct options are B and C.

Agricultural tools enabled early humans to generate a surplus of food, which freed up time for other activities, leading to the development of permanent settlements and cities. This surplus of food prompted labor specialization, with some people taking on specialized roles, which fueled urbanization and the rise of complex societies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The effect agricultural tools had on the development of cities is best captured by the notion that they allowed early humans to grow a surplus of food, which in turn freed up time for individuals to engage in other activities beyond subsistence farming. This surplus of food led to the creation of permanent settlements that grew into cities. Early humans initially used simple tools but soon progressed to more sophisticated technologies, such as using animals to pull plows, significantly increasing productivity. The Neolithic Revolution catalyzed these changes, enabling urbanization and the establishment of complex societies, as some individuals could focus on farming while others took on various specialized roles, leading to increased trade, craft production, and ultimately, the development of early civilizations.

Moreover, agriculture induced significant labor specialization and the accumulation of surplus resources beyond immediate consumption needs, prompting the domestication of animals, and kickstarting population growth. With enough food, families could grow larger, and as some community members became artisans or traders, economies developed. This labor specialization facilitated the emergence of non-farming professions and social strata, further stimulating the growth of urban settlements and complex socioeconomic structures within those emerging cities.

User Xnake
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