What marked the transition from Paleolithic to Neolithic societies?

The transition from Paleolithic to Neolithic societies is marked by the development of agriculture. This pivotal change allowed humans to shift from a nomadic lifestyle, characterized by hunting and gathering, to a more settled way of life centered around farming and the domestication of animals. As people began to cultivate crops and raise livestock, they could produce surplus food, which led to permanent settlements and the eventual rise of complex societies.

This transformation had profound implications for social structures, economy, and culture. Settlements allowed communities to grow larger and more complex, fostering advancements in technology, governance, and trade. The stability and reliability provided by agriculture also permitted the development of trade networks, but these emerged as a consequence of agricultural surplus rather than marking the initial transition itself. Consequently, while the other options are significant developments in their own right, they stemmed from the foundational change brought about by the advent of agriculture.