The First Agricultural Revolution
Also called the Neolithic Revolution, the first agricultural revolution featured the shifting from hunting and gathering to farming. People began intentionally tending to crops and livestock to acquire food, feed, fiber, and fuel. The domestication of plants began with root crops, such as yams, sweet potatoes, and cassava. Next, the planting of seed crops occurred.
Agricultural HearthsNile River Valley- This lies in Egypt, some scholars believe this is where the domestication of seed plants first began
Southwest Asia (Fertile crescent/Mesopotamia)- Two major rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates flow through this region. Farmers here took seeds from the best plants and planted them, allowing for a larger crop yield. More crops and long term distribution allowed people to settle permanently in one place and increased the population of settlements. The majority of Scholars believe this is where the domestication of seed plants began. Indus River Valley- Flood plains and advanced human civilizations allowed for good crop production Huang He/Yellow River- Provided a water source for farming and human consumption. Was the birthplace of ancient Chinese civilization. Mesoamerica- Here the basic plants were maize (corn), squashes, and several kinds of beans. Effects-Hunting and gathering to farming
-Larger crop yields -Increased settlement populations |