Final answer:
Agriculture allowed for the specialization of labor, which led to the development of crafts and trades. The surplus in food production and the symbiotic relationship between farmers, craftspeople, and traders contributed to the growth of economies and technologies, thereby advancing civilizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The advent of agriculture was a pivotal moment in human history, allowing communities to transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled one. The increased efficiency in food production due to technologies like the plow meant not all individuals had to engage directly in food production. This surplus allowed individuals to specialize in various crafts, leading to the development of trades and the growth of economies. As farming communities grew, the demand for storage, processing, and transportation of excess crops, as well as farming equipment and irrigation systems, led to the emergence of new jobs and markets. This economic development also fostered innovation in crafts and technologies, with the cottage labor system in the 1700s illustrating how farming families could produce goods like woolen cloth or straw bonnets for entrepreneurs to sell. The symbiotic relationship between farmers, craftspeople, and traders contributed significantly to the growth of villages, towns, and ultimately, civilizations.