Final answer:
The domestication of plants and animals led to a creation of a food surplus, which brought about population growth, permanent settlements, and the rise of civilizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The domestication of plants and animals eventually led to the creation of a food surplus. This transformative period, known as the Neolithic Revolution, began around 10,000 BCE when human societies in various regions around the world started to cultivate edible plants and domesticate animals.
Agriculture enabled families to grow much larger and for populations to rise dramatically, due to the fact that even fairly primitive agriculture can produce significantly more caloric energy than hunting and gathering. With a more stable and consistent food supply, human societies began to build permanent settlements, develop specialized occupations, and ultimately paved the way for the rise of civilizations.