Chapter 21, Problem 1CP

Summary Introduction

To explain: Where and when agriculture started in the Fertile Crescent.

Introduction: Agriculture or domestication of plants involves cultivation of selected plant species for food and other requirements by humans.

Explanation of Solution

At least 11 different independent centers have been identified throughout the world where agriculture has been considered to have begun by humans. Out of these, the Fertile Crescent is considered to be the oldest known center of agriculture. The Fertile Crescent is an area in the Near East, which includes the parts of the present day countries of Israel, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. Studies show that plant domestication began at the Fertile Crescent around 13,000 to 11,000 years ago.

Summary Introduction

To name: The plants that were important as early crops.

Introduction: Plants that are primarily grown by humans to meet food and other requirements are called crop plants.

Explanation of Solution

Plants that were first brought under cultivation in the Fertile Crescent at the beginning of agriculture included wild barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp) and early forms of wheat (emmer and einkorn wheat) along with peas (Pisum sativum) and lentils (Lens culinaris).

Other plants in the area that were included in cultivation were chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), olives (Olea europaea), Vicia spp., pomegranates (Punica granatum), dates (Phoenix dactylifera), and grapes (Vitis vinifera). Grapes and barley were used from a very early time for brewing wine and beer respectively.

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) was also included in cultivated crops from very early times, most probably both as a source of fiber for cloth and food. Studies have also indicated cultivation of figs in the Jordan Valley, about 11,400 to 11,200 years ago. Thus, legumes along with cereals, were among the important plants that were first cultivated during the beginnings of agriculture in different parts of the world.

Other regions where agriculture began, such as Yellow river regions of China began cultivation of millets, rice, and soybeans. In parts of tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, Hawaii, and New Guinea, early crops included root crops, various legumes, mango, citrus fruits, taro (Colocasia esculenta), Xanthosoma, bananas, sugarcane, yam, sorghum, vegetables, and cotton. Coffee cultivation originated from Africa, and it became a commercially important crop later in the early era.