Final answer:
The development of agriculture made permanent settlements possible by creating an abundant, reliable food supply and freeing people from the need to be nomadic. Agriculture led to population growth, urbanization, and a rise in culture and trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
The advent of agriculture was the key element that made permanent settlements possible. By domesticating plants and animals, humans were able to produce an abundant and reliable food supply, which removed the need to move with the seasons to follow resources. This surplus of food allowed populations to grow and stabilize, enabling the construction of communities and political entities, and fostering the development of trade and commerce. Advances in agricultural technology, such as the use of metal tools and techniques like crop rotation and use of manure as fertilizer, further improved yields, consolidating the food surplus necessary for establishing permanent settlements.
Permanent settlements heralded the rise of early urbanization and complex societies. They also provided the time and resources for the expansion of various aspects of human culture, such as technology, art, and politics. This transition from nomadic to settled life represented a key milestone in human history, often referred to as the Neolithic Revolution.