Questions and Answers
What is agriculture?
Systematic raising of useful plants and animals under the management of man.
During which age did the domestication of plants and animals begin?
Mesopotamia means 'between rivers' in Latin.
False
What are legumes known for in early man's diet?
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One of the most important rivers in the Fertile Crescent is the __________.
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Which of the following is NOT a branch of agriculture?
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What major shift occurred around 8000 BC?
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The development of agriculture began in the 18th century.
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What does GMO stand for?
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Which crop is considered the most common in Asia?
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Agriculture is derived from the Latin words 'Agri' meaning '__________' and 'Cultura' meaning 'cultivation'.
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Study Notes
Agriculture Overview
- Systematic raising of plants and animals managed by humans.
- Utilizes natural elements to produce resources to fulfill human needs.
- Combines art, science, and economics focused on effective crop and livestock production.
Historical Timeline
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Middle Stone Age (8000 BC)
- Lifestyle based on hunting and gathering; reliance on natural resources.
- Early tools like bows and arrows; techniques for drying and storing fish.
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Neolithic Age (6000 - 7000 BC)
- Introduction of domestication for plants and animals, leading to complex societies.
- Formation of villages and practice of agriculture, notably cereals.
Theories of Agricultural Development (Harlan, 1992)
- Agriculture viewed as a divine gift, discovery, stress-induced response, or an extension of foraging.
Mesopotamia: Birthplace of Agriculture
- Known as "Fertile Crescent," it benefitted from Euphrates and Tigris rivers for irrigation.
- Early domestication of crops occurred here.
- Cushites recognized as the first agriculturists, leading a semi-nomadic lifestyle.
Major Rivers
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Tigris River
- Second largest in the region; crucial for agriculture in Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Syria.
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Euphrates River
- Largest river in Southeast Asia; significant for regional farming practices.
Early Diet of Humans
- Diet comprised mainly of carbohydrates for energy and proteins for muscle development.
- Key food sources included legumes (e.g., soybeans) and cereals (e.g., rice, wheat).
Common Crops by Region
- America: Maize, peanut.
- Africa: Sorghum, beans.
- Asia: Rice, soybeans.
Concept of Agriculture
- Derived from Latin "Agri" (land/field) and "Cultura" (cultivation).
- Encompasses cultivation of land, aiming for abundant production and protection from misuse.
- Defined as both an art (requiring skill) and a business (focused on economic returns).
Branches of Agriculture
- Agricultural Engineering: Farm mechanization.
- Agricultural Economics: Economic management in agriculture.
- Agroforestry: Integration of crop and forest plant production.
Evolution of Agriculture
- Old Stone Age: Hunting with large stones.
- Fire and New Stone Age: Mastery of fire and creation of tools.
- Animal Domestication: Shift from hunting wild animals to keeping them for sustained use.
- Crop Production: Transition from nomadic to settled agricultural lifestyles.
- Modern Agriculture: Began in the 18th century, emphasizing advanced techniques.
Importance of Agriculture
- Primary source for food and nutrition (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins).
- Generates materials for clothing (cotton) and housing.
- Fuels multiple industries, including medicine and paper.
- Provides livelihood and foreign currency through exports like rice, jute, and vegetables.
- Contributes to revenue, promoting environmental balance and natural beauty.
Agricultural Development
- Revolutionizes agriculture with profit-driven, eco-friendly practices, reducing poverty.
- Key components include improved seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, transportation, research, and credit facilities.
- Technological advancements play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity.
Institutions Involved in Agricultural Research
- IRRI: International Rice Research Institute focused on rice varieties.
- PhilRice: Philippine Rice Research Institute dedicated to improving rice farming.
- BAR: Bureau of Agricultural Research, promoting agricultural innovation.
Milestones in Agricultural Development
- 7000 BC: Evidence of advanced sowing and harvesting in Mesopotamia.
- 6000 BC: Farming practices established along the Nile River.
- 6000 - 4500 BC: Archaeological evidence of plant and animal domestication in the Iberian Peninsula.
- 5500 BC: Ceide Fields, significant archeological site marking early agricultural practices.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of agriculture in this quiz that covers its definition, purpose, and historical beginnings. Dive into the Middle Stone Age and understand how early human economies were formed through the systematic raising of plants and animals.
