1.1 Food and Human History

Figure 1.2: Human Population Counts and Food Production

Figure 1.2 above displays the relationship between human populations and food production. The graph to the right of figure 1.2 displays a sharp, exponential growth in human populations during the Neolithic agricultural revolution.

From the above figure, one can also say that human populations are heavily dependent on food stores.

1.1.1 Neolithic agricultural revolution

This event happened from 8000 BC to 3000 BC and increased the world’s population to about 50 million humans.

Figure 1.3: Infographic of the Neolithic agricultural revolution

The Neolithic agricultural revolution was also known as the “golden age” of crop creation - it was the most radical phase of agriculture yet.

Like the above infographic suggests, agriculture independently rose from several centers of domestication.

1.1.1.1 Crop domestication

Here are some traits that relate to domesticated crops:

1. Smaller and compact
2. Larger fruits / seeds
3. Non-shattering fruits (i.e., reducing wastage during the growth season).
4. Self-pollinating produce (i.e., no need to rely on honeybees / insects for pollination)
5. Better taste
6. Loss of dormancy (i.e., seeds can be replanted in a very short amount of time)
7. Annual life cycle
8. Uniformity in germination and ripening

Note that crops originally came from different parts of the world (e.g., rice and soybeans come from Asia, corn and tobacco came from South America, sunflowers and strawberries came from the USA, and lettuce and grapes came from Europe).

1.1.2 Feeding a billion individuals (800 AD - 1825)

Figure 1.4: Crops Used in Feeding One Billion People

During this time period, crops became globalized; arable land expansion was mostly contributed by the New World.

The crops mentioned in the previous section began spreading to all parts of the world by merchants. Many old crops and insects were introduced to the old world (e.g., corn, peanuts, avocados) from the new world.

1.1.3 Feeding four billion individuals (1825 to 1975)

Figure 1.5: Details of the Green Revolution

Here, the green revolution was accomplished: high-yielding, nitrogen-responsive, non-lodging, disease-resistant, and semi-dwarf rice and wheat varieties were developed. “Shorter” versions of crops were developed, and agricultural practices were also developed (e.g., pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers), hence also increasing the productivity of crops.

1.1.4 Feeding six billion individuals (to 2000)

Figure 1.6: Progress to Feeding Six Billion People

During the 2000s, there were more progress being made on GM plants. Yet, food productivity plateaued.

1.1.4.1 History of corn breeding

Figure 1.7: Corn Breeding in the Past and the Present

The above figure shows the difference between corn breeding in 7000 BC and modern corn breeding (in 2014).