Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What major shift is characterized by the domestication of plants and animals?

1. Industrial Revolution

2. First Agricultural Revolution

3. Digital Revolution

4. Urban Revolution

The correct answer is: First Agricultural Revolution

The major shift characterized by the domestication of plants and animals is known as the First Agricultural Revolution. This period marked a significant transition in human history from nomadic hunting and gathering societies to established agricultural practices. During this revolution, which began approximately 10,000 years ago, early humans learned to cultivate crops and raise livestock, which allowed them to settle in one place and develop stable communities. This change was pivotal because it enabled population growth, the formation of surplus food, and the development of more complex social structures. The establishment of agriculture facilitated the rise of civilizations, as people could focus on tasks beyond mere survival, such as trade, governance, and cultural development. In contrast, the Industrial Revolution refers to the period of technological advancement and industrialization in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Digital Revolution involves the shift to digital technology starting in the late 20th century, and the Urban Revolution pertains to the increasing movement from rural to urban areas, which is primarily a phenomenon associated with industrialization. Each of these revolutions represents different transformative periods of human development but does not center on the foundational agricultural practices that were established during the First Agricultural Revolution.