Learning Objectives

Question 1

Explain Neolithic Rev and why we study ancient grains to address modern climate change and agricultural problems?

Answer 1

Neolithic Rev:
-hunter-gatherers and nomadic to settled
-domestication of animals and agri
-settlement (cities) -> pop. Growth
-Neo (new) lithic (rocks) = tools
—trace through tools
-~12,000 ya (Pleistocene -> Holocene)
—first in Fertile Crescent (near Egypt)

Study grains to have strong seeds that have experienced many climates.

Question 2

Challenges and debates related to changing nature of modern agriculture and food-production practices

Answer 2

Subsistence:
Bad season = food scarcity
Time-consuming w/o income
Less food variety = less vitamins (local)
Not diverse/cultural expose
Expensive

Commercial:
Environment concern (pesticide, shipping, mechanics)
Unethical labor practices
Unhealthy
Class access
Food waste

Monocropping:
1 disease could wipe out

Pollution
Deforestations
Desertification
Salinization

Bio