Human Evolution and Climate Change

Question 1

humans are a…

Answer 1

global species, and we are able to change landscapes and many parts of the earth

Question 2

Phase 1 of human evolution

Answer 2

hunter-gatherer

Question 3

phase 2 of human evolution

Answer 3

neolithic revolution. first time with agriculture, aka agricultural evolution

Question 4

consequences of ag lifestyle?

Answer 4

1. food availability became more predictable
2. less mortality associated with food acquisition
3. sedentary lifestyle
4. improved health and nutrition
5. increased disease transmission
6. higher population size and density

Question 5

phase 3 of human evolution

Answer 5

industrial and “green” revolution

industrial: discovery of fossil fuels and our ability to use them as an energy source

green: create synthetic fertilizers, increase fertility and yields of crops beyond natural ways, GMOS

Question 6

consequences of phase 3

Answer 6

1. 35% of ice-free land currently dedicated to ag
2. 30% crops, 70% pasture
3. 17% of arable land is irrigated
4. 70% of annual freshwater consumption
5. 4 trillion lbs of grain annually
6. 570 billion lbs of meat annually

Question 7

current population

Answer 7

8 billion, heavily increased when we reached the industrial revolution