In this part of the chapter, Strayer begins by introducing the "Neolithic Revolution" and "Agricultural Revolution," referring to "the deliberate cultivation of particular plants as well as the taming and breeding of particular animals" (26). He also mentions that the coming of agriculture represented a transformation of human life such as settled villages, animal-borne disease, literature, writing, and a lot more. I thought it was interesting to read about how agriculture changed the relationship between humankind and other living things. Strayer mentions the word "domestication," defining it as "the taming, and the changing, of nature for the benefit of humankind" (27). This domestication was reflected in farmers and herders being dependent on their plants and animals. I also thought it was interesting to read about how women were associated with collecting wild plants. Strayer mentioned, "They [Women] were likely innovators who led the way to deliberate farming, with men perhaps taking the lead in domesticating animals" (29). I thought that was especially captivating due to the fact that this idea isn't commonly known. The Fertile Crescent, known as Southwest Asia (Iraq, Syria, Israel/Palestine, Jordan, and southern Turkey) was the first area to experience a full Agricultural Revolution. As a result over a course of many years, wheat, barley, rye peas, sheep, goats, pigs, and more were under human control. Strayer mentions this provided foundation for the world's first agricultural societies. I enjoyed reading about how agriculture somewhat resonated with the Neolithic people and how it paved the way for further innovation. The extension of farming occurred in two ways: diffusion and slow colonization. The diffusion refers to "the gradual spread of agricultural techniques but without the extensive moment of agricultural people," while slow colonization had to do with the displacement of earlier gatherers and hunters (36). The resistance of the globalization of agriculture consisted of people who did not live in areas suitable for farming. Though there was some resistance, the Agricultural Revolution overall led to an increase in human population. The lives of many were also changed dramatically in these farming communities. Farming required laborious tasks that resulted in the deterioration of health. With its many pros and cons, Strayer mentions that the Agricultural Revolution "radically transformed both the trajectory of the human journey and the evolution of life on the plant," granting humans the growing power over other species (45). The Agricultural Revolution was so 'revolutionary' due to the increasing ability to support larger populations, human dominance over other species, technological innovation, and the beginning of human impact on the environment.
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