Field of Joy

Question 1

Explain how the transition from hunter-gathers to agriculture (the first agricultural revolution) is thought to be linked to climate change.

Answer 1

-Around 12-10 KYrs, the Earth emerged from the last Ice Age resulting in a more stable climate creating ideal conditions for the growth of wild grasses and other food plants.
-The retreat of glaciers exposed fertile soils which supported wild cereals.
-A rise in population saw a rise in food demand.

Question 2

Key Steps in the Domestication of Wheat

Answer 2

-Early humans gathered wild emmer wheat and einkorn wheat for consumption.
-Accidental selection of beneficial traits such as larger seeds for higher caloric return and non-shattering spikes which makes harvesting easier. (hybridisation)

Question 3

What was the Green Revolution?

Answer 3

The Green Revolution refers to a period of major agricultural advancement from the 1940s to the 1960s. It aimed to increase food production to meet the needs of growing global populations, particularly in developing countries.

Question 4

Key Steps in the Green Revolution

Answer 4

-Norman Borlaug developed semi-dwarf wheat varieties that were more resistant to falling over and produced higher yields. However, this meant the wheat was less competitive for light so farmers began spraying herbicides.
-The Haber process allowed for the production of ammonia which could be used as a fertiliser.

Question 5

How did the green revolution increase crop productivity?

Answer 5

-More efficient irrigation
-Fertilisers
-Pesticides and herbicides
-Mechanisation allowing for faster harvesting