Final answer:
The Industrial Revolution greatly impacted food production and population dynamics by introducing mechanized farming practices and advanced technologies, leading to an increased agricultural yield and higher population growth due to improved living conditions and nutrition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The historical event that contributed significantly to changes in food production methods and influenced population dynamics is b) the Industrial Revolution. This period saw the introduction of mechanized farming practices due to technologies such as the steam engine, which allowed for an increased agricultural yield with fewer laborers. This led to a surplus of food and, boosted by improvements in nutrition and sanitation, resulted in a rapid increase in the population of Europe.
The Agrarian Revolution also played a role in shaping food production. During the post-Renaissance period, Europe saw advances such as more efficient plows and seeders, and changes in land reform. These innovations allowed for a more efficient and productive farming sector.
Not only did these events bolster food production, but they also drastically altered the carrying capacity of the environment. The substantial increase in available resources needed to sustain human life spurred exponential population growth. Additionally, improvements in living and working conditions, sanitation, and overall standard of living contributed to lower death rates and higher birth rates. This demographic shift had profound implications for the structure and growth of populations worldwide.