Final answer:
The Neolithic Revolution signifies the dramatic transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities, leading to increased population sizes, the establishment of hierarchical societal structures, and the advent of specialized labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The shift from food gathering to food production was called the Neolithic Revolution. This profound transformation marked the beginning of agriculture and brought significant social changes as human societies moved from a nomadic lifestyle of hunting and gathering to settled farming communities. The adoption of agriculture allowed for larger populations, split societies into hierarchical tiers, and gave rise to labor specialization and the first human civilizations. While it enabled the support of larger groups, it also reduced leisure time and led to increased workloads compared to the gatherer-hunter lifestyle.
Permanent settlements arose as a result of the surplus food produced, which also provided the conditions for early urbanization. Villages became towns and cities, and eventually, complex societies with art, religion, and governance systems emerged. The domestication of animals complemented plant cultivation, further enhancing food security and enabling human population growth.