Which of the following was a direct result of the pattern shown on the map?

The selection of agriculture taking the place of hunting and gathering in many areas of the world reflects a significant transformation in human economic practices, particularly during the Neolithic Revolution. This change was directly influenced by the development of agricultural techniques, which allowed populations to cultivate crops systematically and settle in one place, leading to the establishment of permanent communities.

The transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture enabled societies to increase food production, support larger populations, and create more complex social structures. This shift was pivotal as it marked the beginning of civilization, leading to advancements in technology, governance, and culture.

The other options, while related to the broader themes of agricultural development and societal change, do not capture the immediate impact of the agricultural revolution as directly as the chosen answer. For instance, the domestication of animals was certainly a component of agricultural development but more of a sub-trend than a direct result. Similarly, while small agricultural villages did emerge in pastoral areas, this scenario was more a consequence of agriculture rather than a direct result reflected in the broader pattern. The emergence of large land empires is more reflective of the consequences of settled agricultural societies but does not capture the immediate transformation from foraging to farming. Thus, the direct result associated with the widespread adoption of agriculture is