Question

The transition from foraging to farming was not without negative effects. Match the cause to its effect on the environment.

Answer 1

The transition from foraging to farming had both positive and negative effects on the environment. It led to a loss of biodiversity, the dispersal of species, and environmental degradation in certain regions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The transition from foraging to farming had both positive and negative effects on the environment.

1. Loss of biodiversity: As early humans domesticated specific plant and animal species, they focused on increasing the local concentrations of edible species. This led to a loss of biodiversity as species with little or no food value were reduced in concentration.
2. Dispersal of species: Agriculture resulted in the dispersal of plant and animal species, not just locally, but also across the world. The invasion of the Americas by Europeans played a significant role in this global dispersal of species.
3. Environmental degradation: In some regions, farming led to a loss of productivity due to factors like soil erosion and salinisation, resulting in a negative impact on the environment.