Final answer:
The Neolithic Revolution transitioned human societies from nomadic to settled lifestyles, resulting in the creation of permanent communities, the development of social hierarchies, specialized labor, and a surplus of food that led to the rise of early civilizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The advent of systematic agriculture during the Neolithic Revolution marked a pivotal transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to more settled communities. Agriculture necessitated staying in one place to cultivate crops and tend to domesticated animals, fostering the development of permanent settlements. This shift in lifestyle allowed for the growth of larger populations, the emergence of craft specialization and social stratification, and the cultivation of surplus food that could support non-farming populations, which is a foundation of urban development.
As opposed to promoting social equality, the change actually led to more hierarchical social structures. A diverse diet gave way to one based largely on a few staple crops, which led to both vitamin deficiencies and surplus food that could sustain larger populations and enable long-term settlements. These communities were built on the innovations of the Agricultural Revolution, such as crop rotation and metal farming tools, allowing human settlements to grow into towns and cities. Hence, the primary effect of the Neolithic Revolution on lifestyles was the creation of settled communities.