Domestication of animals

Definition

Domestication of animals refers to the process of adapting wild animals for human use, which includes companionship, labor, food, and other resources. This transformation began during the Neolithic agricultural revolution, when humans shifted from a nomadic lifestyle to settled farming communities. The domestication of animals significantly changed human societies by providing reliable sources of food, labor, and companionship, facilitating advancements in agriculture and trade.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Domestication of animals began around 10,000 years ago during the Neolithic period as humans started settling down and forming agricultural communities.
2. Key animals that were domesticated include dogs, sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle; each served specific roles in farming and daily life.
3. The domestication process often involved selective breeding to enhance traits beneficial to humans, such as docility, productivity, and size.
4. Domesticated animals contributed significantly to the development of trade networks by providing resources like meat, milk, wool, and labor for plowing fields.
5. The relationship between humans and domesticated animals led to profound social changes, allowing for population growth and the rise of more complex societal structures.

Review Questions

• How did the domestication of animals contribute to the stability of Neolithic communities?
  • The domestication of animals provided Neolithic communities with reliable sources of food and labor. By having access to livestock for meat, milk, and wool, these settled societies could support larger populations. Additionally, domesticated animals helped with agricultural tasks like plowing fields, making farming more efficient. This stability allowed communities to grow and develop socially and culturally.
• Discuss the impact of animal domestication on trade networks during the Neolithic era.
  • Animal domestication had a profound impact on trade networks by enabling communities to produce surplus resources. Domesticated animals provided valuable products such as meat and milk that could be exchanged for goods. Furthermore, livestock could be transported over distances, facilitating trade between different groups. This exchange not only promoted economic interdependence but also encouraged cultural interactions among various societies.
• Evaluate how the domestication of animals influenced social structures in early agricultural societies.
  • The domestication of animals significantly influenced social structures in early agricultural societies by creating new roles and hierarchies. As livestock became essential for farming and trade, individuals who managed or owned these animals often gained wealth and power. This led to the development of distinct social classes based on resource control. Furthermore, the reliance on certain domesticated species shaped communal identities and cultural practices around animal husbandry, highlighting the intertwined relationship between humans and their domesticated animals.

Related terms

Agricultural Revolution: The significant transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture, leading to the establishment of permanent settlements and the rise of complex societies.

Livestock: Domesticated animals raised for food, fiber, labor, or other products; examples include cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats.

Husbandry: The care and management of domestic animals for agricultural purposes, encompassing breeding, feeding, and general welfare.