Foragers, Agriculturalists, & First Civilizations

Global human migration

the international movement of people across borders, either voluntary or involuntary

Out of Africa theory

suggests that modern humans originated in Africa and then migrated to other parts of the world, replacing other hominin species

Multiregional theory

proposes that modern humans evolved simultaneously in different regions of the world from local hominin populations

Foragers

hunter-gatherers who lived a nomadic lifestyle and relied on hunting, gathering, and fishing for sustenance

Agriculturalists

farmers who settled in one place and cultivated crops and raised animals for food

Positive effects of early human development on the environment

development of tools and technologies, creation of shelters and cultivation of plants, development of agriculture

Negative effects of early human development on the environment

overhunting of certain animal species, deforestation and loss of natural habitats, changes in ecosystems and loss of biodiversity

Positive effects of agriculturalists on the environment

ability to produce a more stable and abundant food supply, development of techniques for irrigation and soil management, leading to increased agricultural productivity and growth of civilizations

Negative effects of agriculturalists on the environment

deforestation for clearing land, resulting in loss of natural habitats and biodiversity, soil salinization and depletion of water resources from irrigation systems, soil erosion and degradation of land over time from agricultural practices, changes in ecosystems and spread of diseases from domestication of animals for agriculture

Shift from foraging to agriculture

changing climate, population growth, need for a reliable and sustainable food source, development of new technologies and knowledge

Changes between foragers and agriculturalists

development of settled communities, more complex social structures, differentiated gender roles, advanced technology, larger populations

Causes for the development of the first true cities/civilizations

surplus food production, access to fertile land and water sources, centralized authority and governance, trade and economic opportunities, availability of valuable resources

Role of religions in empires

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