Which term refers to high-yield crop varieties and modern farming techniques introduced in the 20th century?

• A. Green Revolution
• B. First Agricultural Revolution (Neolithic)
• C. Columbian Exchange
• D. Enclosure System

Answer: (A)

High-yield crop varieties combined with modern farming methods introduced in the 20th century refer to the Green Revolution. This movement focused on developing high-yielding varieties of staples like wheat and rice and pairing them with chemical fertilizers, pesticides, improved irrigation, and greater mechanization to dramatically boost production. It led to substantial increases in food output and helped prevent famines in many regions, especially Asia and Latin America, though it also brought challenges such as environmental impact, reliance on purchased inputs, and uneven benefits for small farmers. Other terms describe earlier or different shifts—such as the shift from hunting and gathering to farming, the transfer of crops and livestock between continents after 1492, or the consolidation of common lands into private parcels—none of which captures the 20th-century emphasis on high-yield varieties and modern agricultural techniques.