Question

How did the changing climate affect the life of the early humans?

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Mention the environmental changes.
• Detail the factors that led to the beginning of farming.
• Detail the factors that led to the beginning of herding.

Solution:

• There were major changes in the climate of the world around 12,000 years ago. There was a shift to relatively warm conditions.
• Grasslands and grain-bearing grasses (wheat, barley, and rice) grew naturally in many areas.
• Animals that survived on grass such as deer, antelope, goat, and sheep also increased in number.
• The early humans collected edible grains, such as wheat, for food.
• They observed and learned about the growing conditions and seasons for these plants.
• This might have led to them growing these plants on their own, thus becoming farmers.
• Early humans also gained knowledge about the food habits and the breeding seasons of the animals they once hunted.
• They tried to attract and tame the gentle animals by leaving food near their shelters.
• They often protected these animals from attacks by other wild animals.
• Thus, the early humans who were once hunters, became herders.