Question

sustain populations of privileged (and mainly male) specialists: artisans, traders, warriors, priests, scribes, and rulers.

it is worth noting how paradoxical this steepening of hierarchies is. for the increases in productivity associated with the agrarian revolution might, in principle, have raised the average material living standards of all members of society. the reality was different. unlike water, which prefers to lie flat as it accumulates, material wealth in complex societies likes to pile itself up into huge pyramids.\

from david christian, maps of time: an introduction to big history (2004).

what does the author argue that resource surpluses caused?

choose 1 answer:

a resource surpluses caused different levels of social status to emerge

b resource surpluses raised the standard of living of all citizens, but more for some groups than others

c resource surpluses gave increased power and wealth to the laborers who grew the food.

d resource surpluses resulted in the emergence of city states

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option A: The text mentions "steepening of hierarchies" and "material wealth... piles itself up into huge pyramids", indicating different social status levels (hierarchies) emerged due to resource surpluses (from agrarian revolution, which creates surpluses).
2. Analyze Option B: The text says "the reality was different" from the principle that all's living standards would rise, so B's claim that it raised all citizens' standards (even with disparity) is wrong.
3. Analyze Option C: The text talks about privileged specialists (not laborers) benefiting, so C is incorrect.
4. Analyze Option D: The text doesn't mention city - states, so D is irrelevant.

Answer:

A. Resource surpluses caused different levels of social status to emerge