U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 1997

Neolithic Revolution

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The first cereal used by man was:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The Neolithic revolution began with the domestication of specific wild grasses into high-yield cereal crops.

Explanation Archeobotanical remains from the Fertile Crescent and Mehrgarh (India) indicate that Barley (Hordeum vulgare) was cultivated slightly before or alongside wheat as the first staple.

Logical Breakup
Barley (C): Generally accepted as the pioneer domesticated cereal due to its resilience.
Wheat (A): Followed shortly after; both were staples of the earliest settlements.
Rice (B): Cultivated later, primarily in the humid regions of the Gangetic valley and Southeast Asia.

Active Recall

Question

Why was Barley preferred by early farmers?

Answer

It is more tolerant of soil salinity and drought compared to wheat, making it a reliable crop for early sedentary communities.

Core Insight

The transition to cereal farming (Barley/Wheat) provided the caloric foundation that allowed human populations to explode and settle permanently.