Final answer:
The ancient Near East people shifted from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settling in one place due to agricultural development, particularly the domestication of plants like wheat and barley. This change led to more stable food supplies and supported larger populations, leading to settled communities and the rise of civilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key reason for the ancient Near East people transitioning from being hunter-gatherers to settling in one place is A. Agricultural development. This period, known as the Neolithic Revolution, occurred independently in various regions of the world, including the Near East. The domestication of plants such as wheat and barley in this area allowed for a more reliable food source. This shift enabled the support of larger populations, resulting in the need for settled communities rather than a nomadic lifestyle. Settlements led to labor specialization and paved the way for the development of human civilization as we understand it.
The ability to grow crops meant that humans could stay in one location and sustain a larger community, essentially offering stability and the capacity for cultural and societal development. Providing a consistent food supply allowed for a cascade of changes, including the specialization of labor and the formation of social hierarchies. This ultimately contributed to the rise of sophisticated Neolithic settlements and the advent of the state.