Final answer:
The development of writing systems signifies a major change from early settlements to complex societies, facilitating record-keeping, governance, and the transmission of culture and legal systems.
The Correct Option is; c) Development of writing systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major change from early settlements to complex societies is exemplified by the development of writing systems. This evolution marks a significant leap in the ability of societies to record, communicate, and administer their complex bureaucratic systems.
The use of language itself is a fundamental aspect of society, but writing systems enable propagation and persistence of ideas, laws, and history, which are essential components in the evolution of complex societies.
Early civilizations in regions like Mesopotamia, Mesoamerica, the Andes, and China made significant advancements which included governance and written language, indicating the detailed planning, record-keeping, and administration that took place.
In addition to the development of writing systems, there were other profound changes such as increased agricultural productivity, specialization of labor, and the establishment of trade routes which all contributed to the growth of complex societies.
These changes facilitated the formation of cities, social stratification, and more organized regional cultures and trading networks.