First Civilizations Flashcards
(18 cards)
Typical size of hunter gatherer camps
30
Where did agriculture begin?
Fertile Crescent, China, Nile Valley, Mesoamerica, and Andes
Apx how long ago did agriculture begin?
12,000 years
Why did humans turn to farming?
The population grew too much, so they could no longer support themselves by just hunting and gathering, they faced a recourse crisis
Why did farming help?
They produced more calories in less space
What did they domesticate?
Animals and plants
Carrying capacity
The maximum number of individuals of a species that a particular habitat can support indefinitely
________ contributed to the start of farming
Climate change
Hermaphroditic Selphers
Self-pollinating crops - allowed selective breeding
Sedentary
Staying in one place
Specialized workers
Didn’t make a living by growing their own food
Surplus
More than necessary
Why did farmers win against hunters and gatherers
Hunters and gatherers can’t have armies, farmers can
What are advantages of farming?
Surplus food, population growth, specialization, better weapons, immunity to animal diseases
What are the 5 traits of a civilization?
Cities, writing, specialized workers, complex institutions, advanced technology
How did Sumerians solve their environmental challenges?
Built irrigation systems, mud-brick walls, and traded for resources
Why was writing first developed?
To keep records, especially for taxes and trade
Resource crisis
The population cannot be supported by the resources available
