What is a consequence of relying on fewer crops in complex societies?

Relying on fewer crops in complex societies often results in less dietary variety. When agricultural practices center around a limited number of staple crops, the diversity of nutrients and flavors available in the diet diminishes. This lack of variety can lead to nutritional deficiencies in the population, as essential vitamins and minerals from a wider range of foods may be absent. In more complex societies, where food production is intensified, the focus on specific high-yield crops is tempting due to efficiency and economic factors, but it ultimately narrows the spectrum of what is consumed.

On the other hand, factors like increased dietary variety or health benefits would typically be associated with a broader range of food sources. Food security often relies on stable production systems and diversified crops to mitigate risks like crop failure or pest invasions, which also highlights the downside of monoculture reliance. Thus, while complex societies may achieve certain efficiencies through fewer crops, the trade-off is often a marked decrease in dietary variety and potential consequences for public health.