What change allowed hunter-gatherers to form larger communities?

The emergence of agriculture and farming marked a significant turning point in human history that allowed hunter-gatherers to form larger communities. Prior to the development of agriculture, human societies were typically small and nomadic, relying on foraging and hunting for subsistence. With the advent of farming, people began to cultivate crops and domesticate animals, which provided a more stable and reliable food source.

This newfound stability allowed populations to grow, as individuals no longer needed to be constantly on the move in search of food. Instead, they could settle in one location, leading to the establishment of permanent settlements and, eventually, more complex societal structures. Larger communities could then form, as people were able to live in close proximity without the constant threat of food scarcity that characterized the hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

Furthermore, agriculture enabled the storage of surplus food, which supported larger populations and facilitated trade and specialization of labor. These developments were foundational in shaping human societies and laid the groundwork for the rise of civilizations.