Plant Cultivation

Definition

Plant cultivation refers to the practice of growing and harvesting crops, which became a crucial aspect of human society during the Neolithic period. This shift from foraging to farming allowed communities to establish permanent settlements, develop agriculture, and create surplus food resources. The advent of plant cultivation fundamentally changed social structures, economies, and interactions among different groups.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plant cultivation began around 10,000 years ago in the Near East, marking a significant transition from hunting and gathering to agricultural societies.
2. The Natufian culture is one of the earliest known groups to engage in semi-sedentary lifestyles that included some forms of plant cultivation, utilizing wild grains.
3. The Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA) and Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) periods saw advancements in the domestication of plants such as wheat and barley, leading to increased agricultural practices.
4. With the rise of plant cultivation, social hierarchies began to form, as those who controlled land and resources gained more power within their communities.
5. Plant cultivation facilitated trade networks between communities, as surplus crops could be exchanged for other goods, contributing to economic development.

Review Questions

• How did plant cultivation influence the lifestyle changes in Neolithic cultures?
  • Plant cultivation significantly altered the lifestyle of Neolithic cultures by encouraging permanent settlement and reducing reliance on hunting and gathering. As people began to grow their own food, they could establish stable communities, leading to the development of larger populations. This transition allowed for advancements in technology, social organization, and cultural practices as communities became more complex.
• In what ways did the domestication of plants during the PPNA and PPNB periods impact social structures within these cultures?
  • During the PPNA and PPNB periods, the domestication of plants led to increased food production, which in turn fostered population growth and more complex social structures. As some individuals gained control over land and resources due to successful farming practices, social hierarchies began to emerge. This change also influenced labor specialization and trade as communities became interdependent on one another for different goods and services.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of plant cultivation on human civilization that emerged from Near Eastern Neolithic cultures.
  • The long-term consequences of plant cultivation on human civilization are profound and wide-reaching. It laid the foundation for agriculture as a primary means of subsistence, leading to the establishment of cities and state societies over time. As communities transitioned from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming practices, it resulted in technological advancements, increased population densities, and new forms of governance. Additionally, this shift influenced cultural developments such as religion, art, and trade networks that shaped later civilizations across the globe.

Related terms

Domestication:

The process by which wild plants and animals are adapted for human use, resulting in species that are genetically distinct from their wild ancestors.

Agriculture:

A broader term encompassing the cultivation of plants and the raising of animals for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain and enhance human life.

Settlement Patterns:

The arrangement or distribution of human habitations, which changed significantly with the introduction of plant cultivation as people began to live in one place year-round.