Dramatic Changes

Dramatic changes in human life support systems took place in the modern world over the last 500 years. Human [communities:commodities] during this time period reached unprecedented sizes and growth rates. Global migrations introduced exotic plants, animals, [developments:nature] , technologies and cultural beliefs throughout the world. The Industrial Revolution and its aftermath transformed [economies:cultures] on an unparalleled scale and intensity. Urban [spaces:city] exploded in number and size during the period and large-scale social systems emerged that were tied together by networks of economic exchange, [transport:development] and communication.