Introduction to Agriculture

The period in human history where people began cultivating crops and domesticating animals, leading to the formation of permanent settlements.

A region where agriculture originated and spread to other areas.

A type of agriculture where farms produce crops primarily for their own consumption, rather than selling for profit.

An agricultural technique where land is cleared by burning vegetation, followed by planting crops. Often practiced in tropical regions.

A form of agriculture where people move their livestock from place to place in search of fresh pasture. Often practiced in dry regions.

An agricultural method that focuses on intensive cultivation of a small area of land, often using human labor, to produce high yields.

A large-scale agricultural enterprise that specializes in producing a single cash crop for export.

The process of humans selectively breeding plants and animals to enhance desirable traits, making them more useful for human purposes.

A type of agriculture where crops are primarily grown for export to developed countries (MDCs), often involving large-scale plantations and specialized crops like coffee, tea, and rubber.

Farming practices focused on producing enough food for the farmer and their family, with minimal surplus for trade.

The difference between the total weight of the plant's above-ground biomass and the weight of the harvested grain. A higher harvest index indicates more efficient grain production.

The intentional process of selecting and breeding plants with desirable traits, like larger seeds, to improve overall yield.

A set of agricultural practices that involve using irrigation systems to provide water to crops, especially during dry periods.

The overall increase in agricultural productivity triggered by scientific innovations in the mid-20th century, leading to higher crop yields and a reduction in food shortages.

American scientist renowned for his work in initiating the Green Revolution, focusing on developing disease-resistant and high-yielding wheat varieties.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, an international research institute established in Mexico to develop and disseminate improved crop varieties for global food security.

A high-yielding rice variety developed in the Philippines during the Green Revolution, known for its increased productivity and resistance to pests and diseases.

Agricultural practices driven by profit maximization, typically employing large-scale operations, mechanization, and specialized crops.

Agriculture focused on meeting the basic needs of the farmer and their family, with minimal surplus or market involvement.

The process of reducing forest cover to establish land for agriculture, often leading to environmental consequences like habitat loss and soil erosion.

The widespread adoption of technology in agriculture in developed countries, resulting in increased productivity and higher crop yields.

The global organization that sets rules and regulations for international trade, including agricultural commodities.

The interconnected system of food production, processing, distribution, and consumption that operates on a global scale.

A major shift in the economy where societies move from agricultural and handcrafted production to industrial and machine-based manufacturing.

The period when Britain experienced the first significant transformation towards industrial production, marked by key inventions and innovations in machinery.

The period of industrial growth that occurred primarily in the United States and Western Europe during the late 19th century, characterized by developments like the internal combustion engine and electricity.

The materials used in industrial production, encompassing raw materials, energy sources, and innovative tools and machinery.

The process of spreading industrial practices and technologies from one region or country to others.

The transition in the workplace where workers shifted from skilled craftsmen using manual tools to machine operators, leading to a change in their skills and work environment.

The period when Continental Europe, particularly countries like France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, adopted and adapted British industrial innovations, leading to their own industrial growth.

The period when industrialization spread rapidly in North America, driven by abundant resources and a growing population.

The period when countries like Russia, Italy, and Spain started their own industrialization processes, although at a slower pace compared to Western European nations.

The process of European powers spreading industrialization to their colonies, resulting in significant economic and social changes in those regions.

The process of industrialization that occurred in Japan during the latter half of the 19th century, marked by rapid adoption of Western technologies and organizational structures.

The process of industrialization that occurred later in some parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, often in the 20th century, influenced by factors like colonialism, domestic policies, and global economic interdependence.

A period of rapid global industrial expansion in the late 20th century, influenced by increased international trade, technological advancements, and the emergence of multinational corporations.

The transfer of industrial technologies and practices between regions, primarily through trade, the movement of skilled workers, and international collaborations.

The impact of transportation and communication advancements on industrial processes, facilitating the efficient movement of goods, information, and people.

The interconnected network of global economic activities related to manufacturing, processing, and distributing goods and services.

The process of integrating national economies into a globalized marketplace through trade, investment, and technology.

Technological advancements that improve efficiency and revolutionize industrial processes, such as automation, robotics, AI, and IoT.

A set of rules and regulations governing industrial activities at local, national, and international levels.

Resources that can be replenished naturally within a reasonable time frame.

Resources that are finite and cannot be replenished at a meaningful rate.

Energy sources such as oil and coal that have been discovered and deemed economically and technologically feasible to extract.

Energy deposits that are expected to exist but haven't been discovered yet, often estimated based on geological data.

The uneven distribution of resources and consumption patterns around the world, where some regions consume disproportionately more than others.

A group of oil-producing countries that coordinate and influence global oil production and prices.

The spatial distribution of resources across the globe, highlighting the unique resources each country possesses.

A key resource used to generate energy, but the extraction and use of which have significant environmental impacts.

The reliance of countries on resources from other parts of the world, leading to international dependence and interconnectedness.

The decline of resources over time due to overuse and lack of proper management practices.

The potential long-term negative impacts of resource depletion on ecosystems, biodiversity, and the environment.