Human Evolution: From Hunter-Gatherer to Agriculture

Phase 1: Hunter-Gatherer (1,000,000 - 10,000 BCE)

1.5 million years ago, populations of Australopithecus were being replaced by those of Homo habilis, which gave way to Homo erectus. The first modern humans, Homo sapiens, appeared in northwest Africa. Immersed in the savanna, and subjected to the same rules as other animals, the first human hunters and gatherers were exposed to extremes of climate, often suffering from hunger. This was soon complemented by the development of small animal hunting. Early humans were omnivorous, and precisely in its power spectrum is a key to its success. The other is the management of natural elements to make tools.

Very early, humans tried to understand and master nature: seeking shelter, finding water, understanding and using medicinal plants, predicting the weather, making coats, hunting supplies, and preparing rudimentary means of transport. They behaved like intelligent predators. The accidental discovery and subsequent mastery of fire by Homo erectus accounted for a revolution: food preparation, temperature conditioning, and intimidating animal competitors. The first changes were visible up the middle.

Phase 2: Agriculture and Livestock (10,000 BCE - Mid-18th Century)

About 10,000 years ago, since the last ice age ended, the warmer and wetter climate favored the expansion of forests. This outlines a new situation in the relationship of humanity with the environment, thanks to the appearance of agriculture and animal husbandry in captivity. A lifestyle that lasted until the Industrial Revolution was launched. For the first time, human populations had sufficient food. The result was immediate: the number of individuals multiplied by 30.

First, they learned to cultivate plants and, later, to domesticate animals. Women began to gather wild grain in their crops and mimic natural processes. Wheat, barley, rice, and maize are among the first plants cultivated by mankind. Regarding livestock, reflecting the most interesting wildlife for its size, docility, and meat production. Goats and sheep were the first domesticated animals, followed by cattle, pigs, and poultry.

The first change associated with the new way of life was the abandonment of nomadism. With a sedentary lifestyle came the first stable human settlements: villages near rivers, lakes, and lagoons; first wooden houses, then of stone and brick. This was followed by the construction of roads, cities, and ports. Changes generated new changes. Metals and alloys were discovered, as well as pottery, the lever, the hoe, the plow and other farming tools, the wheel, stone mills, water, wind, etc.

At the same time, there was specialization in tasks, the division of labor, social hierarchy, and trade. Economic activities began to define human societies, and their progress became unstoppable. Human action on nature was restricted in populated areas, but vast areas remained free from the influence of humans. Gradually, these were extended to new regions of the planet.