Final answer:
The domestication of plants and animals occurred through deliberate cultivation and breeding by humans. This led to changes in physical characteristics, such as plant size and taste, and the development of settled communities and specialized occupations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The domestication of plants and animals occurred through the deliberate cultivation and breeding of desirable traits by humans. In the case of plants, humans began to alter the features of plants by selecting seeds from the most desirable plants and planting them over generations. This process led to gradual changes in the plants' physical and morphological characteristics, such as increased size, taste, and nutrition. For animals, humans tamed and bred them in controlled conditions, selecting for traits like docility and productivity.
People at the time may have viewed domestication as a way to secure a more reliable food source and increase their chances of survival. The adoption of agriculture allowed for the development of settled communities and the specialization of occupations, leading to the emergence of craftwork and trade. However, there were also drawbacks and challenges associated with the transition to agriculture.