Which of the following reflects a key characteristic of human civilization development?

The development of human civilization is significantly marked by the establishment of permanent settlements. This transition from a nomadic lifestyle, where groups moved frequently in search of food and resources, enabled individuals to cultivate land, create surplus food, and engage in more complex social structures. Permanent settlements led to the development of agriculture, which in turn supported population growth and the formation of cities.

With stable living conditions, communities could innovate, giving rise to advancements in technology, governance, arts, and culture. This shift allowed for specialization of labor, where individuals could focus on different societal roles rather than solely on survival. The establishment of permanent settlements ultimately laid the groundwork for organized societies, trade networks, and the interconnected nature of later civilizations.

In contrast, hunting and gathering, nomadic lifestyles, and bartering were characteristics of earlier stages of human development, which did not provide the same foundational platform for the growth of complex societies.