1. Why are contemporary archaeologists and anthropologists critical of Morgan's and Childe's conception of the origin of agriculture?
Answer: Criticized for oversimplification, neglecting regional variations, and ignoring diverse pathways in the transition to agriculture.
2. How do Rindos's ideas about the origins of agriculture differ from Ingold's?
Answer: Rindos emphasizes coevolution, highlighting a symbiotic relationship between plant and animal species. Ingold sees the shift from hunting to agriculture as a move from trust to domination.
3. Why did Childe choose to describe the origin of agriculture as the Neolithic Revolution?
Answer: Childe used the term to describe the transformative impact of agriculture on human society, emphasizing a radical change in various aspects.
4. Can the development of agriculture in the Middle East be described as a "Neolithic Revolution"?
Answer: Yes, the development of agriculture in the Middle East can be described as a Neolithic Revolution, marking a fundamental shift in subsistence strategies and societal organization.
5. In what ways does the Natufian period differ from the preceding Kebaran and Geometric Kebaran period?
Answer: Natufian period practiced broad-spectrum subsistence, differing from the preceding Kebaran and Geometric Kebaran periods in resource exploitation.
6. What is the evidence and significance of ritual behavior during the Early Neolithic?
Answer: Evidence includes burial practices, symbolic artifacts, and ritual structures. Significance lies in the emergence of symbolic behavior, possibly linked to social cohesion or religious beliefs.
7. What are the opposing views of how agriculture came to be adopted in Europe?
Answer: Views range from population pressure (Boserup) to environmental exploitation (Cohen).
8. Why is the LBK significant to this debate?
Answer: LBK is significant as its spread is considered both a contributing factor and a consequence of the shift to agriculture in Europe.
9. What is known about the initial domestication of squash and maize?