Final answer:
The production of amounts of food that exceed the basic subsistence needs of the population is called surplus production or food surplus. It has played a crucial role in the development of civilizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The production of amounts of food that exceed the basic subsistence needs of the population is called surplus production or food surplus. It refers to the ability to produce more food than what is required for immediate consumption, allowing for trade, storage, and economic development. Surplus production has been an important factor in the development of civilizations throughout history, as it has enabled growth in population, specialization of labor, and the establishment of complex societies.