Final answer:
The Neolithic changes leading to domestication and sedentism were primarily influenced by favorable environmental conditions, a shift towards settled agricultural societies with labor specialization, and innovations in plant and animal domestication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Neolithic Revolution, beginning about twelve thousand years ago, was a pivotal time in human history that led to domestication and sedentism across the globe. The three most important factors explaining these changes include:
- Environmental and Geographical Factors: After the last ice age, warming climates made conditions favorable for agriculture. Geography also played a crucial role, as areas with fertile land, favorable weather patterns, and access to water encouraged the development of crop cultivation and permanent settlements.
- Changes in Human Society and Economy: The shift to agriculture necessitated fundamental changes in societal structures. The possibility to create food surpluses led to the development of labor specialization, and the establishment of influential societies, as not everyone needed to be involved in food production any longer.
- Biological and Agricultural Innovations: Over generations, humans began to selectively breed plants and animals for desired traits. This led to the domestication of numerous types of plants and animals, making them more productive and suitable for human use.
Such shifts made way for significant transformations in how humans organized, survived, and shaped their cultural and religious practices. Sites like Çatalhöyük and Göbekli Tepe offer insights into these developments through their artwork and architecture, displaying the level of skill and cooperation that defined these early agricultural societies.