imagine a family of farmers in the neolithic age. they are multi-generational family living together on a large farm they have bees together on a large farm. they have beans chickens and other animals and crops that keep them fed. they have several shelters that are sturdy. Last year however floods came and took many of their large animals and rained out their crops. some of the family died from starvation. They, are replanting a. farming leaves people vulnerable to attack but needs less land than hunting and gathering. b. successful harvest not guaranteed due to weather, but more people can cooperate to build shelters c. herding animals and planting crops takes a lot of energy, but farming gave new sources of material for clothing d. nomads might come to steal food or animals, but food surpluses lead to specialization of workers.

1 answer

All of the above statements are true and accurate regarding the family of farmers in the Neolithic age. Let's break down each statement:

a. Farming leaves people vulnerable to attack but needs less land than hunting and gathering: This statement reflects the vulnerability of settled farmers to potential attacks from nomadic groups or other hostile parties. However, farming allows for the cultivation of crops in a specific area, thus requiring less land compared to the vast territories needed for hunting and gathering.

b. Successful harvest not guaranteed due to weather, but more people can cooperate to build shelters: The family's experience with floods and ruined crops demonstrates the unpredictability of weather patterns, which can have a significant impact on the success of their harvest. On the positive side, the presence of a multi-generational family allows for cooperation and division of labor, enabling them to build sturdy shelters to protect themselves.

c. Herding animals and planting crops takes a lot of energy, but farming gave new sources of material for clothing: This statement emphasizes the physical effort and energy required for herding animals and cultivating crops. However, it also highlights the benefits of farming, such as the accessibility of new sources of material for clothing production, which may not have been readily available when relying solely on hunting and gathering.

d. Nomads might come to steal food or animals, but food surpluses lead to specialization of workers: The potential threat of nomads seeking to steal food or animals from the farming family is a legitimate concern. However, successful farming can often result in food surpluses, which allow for the specialization of workers in other areas such as tool-making, pottery, or other crafts.

Overall, the family's experience reflects the complexities, challenges, and benefits associated with transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to settled farming during the Neolithic age.