Early humans were hunter-gatherers and lived in small, nomadic groups. When resources became scarce in their local area, they would move somewhere else. They had minimal impact on the environment.
Around 10,000 years ago, humans began to settle down and form permanent communities. This marked the beginning of the Neolithic period.
During this period, humans began to domesticate plants and animals. They also developed new technologies, such as pottery, weaving, and metalworking. These advances allowed humans to alter their habitats more extensively.
For example, they began to clear forests and build large settlements. They also began to use irrigation systems to farm land more effectively. These activities had a significant impact on the environment.
In the past 250 years, humans have altered their habitats more rapidly than at any other time in history. This is due to the rise of industrialization. Industrial societies use large amounts of energy and resources, which has led to pollution, climate change, and other environmental problems.
As humans continue to evolve, it is important for them to be mindful of the impact of their actions on the environment. They must learn to live in harmony with nature and find sustainable ways to alter their habitats.