Which of the following innovations significantly improved food production between 1,000,000 years ago and 10,000 years ago?

The development of agriculture is recognized as a pivotal innovation that significantly improved food production during the time frame of 1,000,000 to 10,000 years ago. This transformation marked the transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities. By adopting farming practices, early humans cultivated crops and cultivated plants, which led to a more stable food supply. This stability allowed populations to grow and societies to become more complex.

Agriculture not only increased food security but also enabled the development of surplus food, which had far-reaching implications for social structures, trade, and the establishment of permanent settlements. As communities became more reliant on agriculture, advancements in technology and organization followed, which further enhanced food production and the ability to support larger populations.

Other innovations, such as the use of bronze tools and the domestication of animals, certainly contributed to improving agricultural efficiency and productivity, but they stemmed from the foundational practice of agriculture itself. Pottery, while crucial for food storage and preparation, did not directly improve food production levels in the way that widespread agricultural practices did.