What development marked the transition from hunting and gathering to food production?

The development that marked the transition from hunting and gathering to food production is known as the Neolithic period. This era is characterized by the domestication of plants and animals, leading to the establishment of agricultural practices. During the Neolithic period, human societies began to settle in one place, cultivate crops, and raise livestock, which significantly altered their lifestyle, social structure, and economic systems.

The shift from a nomadic lifestyle to permanent settlements allowed for the development of more complex societies and the eventual rise of civilization. This transition is considered one of the most significant technological and cultural advancements in human history, as it laid the groundwork for subsequent social, political, and economic developments, including trade, specialization of labor, and the growth of populations.

In contrast, other periods mentioned, such as the Paleolithic and Upper Paleolithic, were primarily characterized by the reliance on hunting and gathering. The Mesolithic period, while representing a transition phase between the Paleolithic and Neolithic, did not fully encompass the development of agriculture. Therefore, the Neolithic period is distinctly recognized for its fundamental role in the origins of food production.