Final answer:
Between 8,000 to 12,000 years ago, human societies began practicing agriculture, leading to the Neolithic Age. This period was crucial as it allowed for a stable food supply, supported population growth, and gave rise to civilization. The development of agriculture and the domestication of animals facilitated the transition from nomadic to sedentary lifestyles and set the foundation for urbanization.
Step-by-step explanation:
About 8,000 to 12,000 years ago, a significant transition occurred in human societies: the advent of agriculture. This pivotal period, also known as the Neolithic Age or the New Stone Age, was marked by the domestication of plants and animals—which led to the establishment of sedentary human settlements, and later, the development of civilizations. The earliest evidence of agriculture can be traced back to the end of the last ice age, approximately twelve thousand years ago, when the climate shifted and influenced human subsistence strategies.
Why was the emergence of agriculture so critical? It allowed for a more reliable and stable food supply than what was possible with hunting and gathering. The mastery of growing crops and domesticating animals multiplied the caloric energy available to humans, enabling population growth and the eventual rise of complex societies. With the development of better stone tools, humans were able to clear land for cultivation and efficiently harvest crops, while the domestication of animals such as dogs, pigs, and chickens also contributed to this transformative phase in history.
The agricultural revolution not only provided sustenance but also set the stage for urbanization. As populations increased, towns and eventually cities emerged, leading to diverse developments in culture, technology, and governance. The establishment of steady food sources was fundamental in this unprecedented shift, transitioning humans from nomadic lifestyles to ones centered around farming communities and complex societies.