Domestication

Definition

Domestication is the process by which humans cultivate and selectively breed plants and animals for their desired traits, ultimately leading to their dependency on humans for survival and reproduction. This key development marked a significant shift in human societies from nomadic lifestyles to more settled agricultural communities, shaping social structures and cultural practices throughout history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The earliest evidence of domestication can be traced back to the Near East around 10,000 BCE with the Natufian culture, which began managing wild grains before fully cultivating them.
2. The transition to domestication allowed for a stable food supply, which contributed to population growth and the development of complex societies.
3. Different regions experienced unique domestication processes; for example, the domestication of cattle occurred in multiple areas independently, highlighting diverse agricultural practices.
4. Domestication not only involved plants like wheat and barley but also animals such as sheep, goats, and pigs, which played crucial roles in early agricultural economies.
5. The innovations in tools and techniques during the Neolithic period, such as sickles for harvesting and pottery for storage, were vital for supporting the domestication of both plants and animals.

Review Questions

• How did domestication influence social structures and community organization during the Neolithic period?
  • Domestication greatly influenced social structures by promoting sedentism and allowing communities to settle in one place. As people cultivated crops and raised livestock, they formed more complex societal organizations that included specialized roles such as farmers, craftsmen, and leaders. This shift led to increased social stratification and the development of trade networks as communities began to produce surplus food and goods.
• Discuss the differences in domestication practices between Near Eastern cultures and European Neolithic cultures.
  • Near Eastern cultures like the Natufians primarily focused on the cultivation of wild grains before transitioning to fully domesticated varieties. In contrast, European Neolithic cultures adopted different crops such as millet and barley while also utilizing local wild resources. Additionally, European domestication included different livestock species compared to those in the Near East. These regional variances highlight how local environmental factors shaped distinct agricultural practices.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of domestication on human societies globally and how it shaped contemporary civilizations.
  • The long-term impacts of domestication have been profound, leading to the establishment of permanent settlements and complex societies that laid the groundwork for modern civilizations. The ability to produce surplus food enabled population growth and urbanization while fostering trade relationships across regions. Domestication also influenced cultural practices, technological advancements, and political structures as societies evolved from small bands of hunter-gatherers into interconnected civilizations. The effects are still seen today in agriculture's role in economies worldwide and ongoing debates about sustainability in food production.

Related terms

Agriculture: The practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products to sustain and enhance human life.

Sedentism: The practice of living in one place for an extended period, often associated with the establishment of permanent settlements that support agriculture.

Neolithic Revolution: A significant transition around 10,000 BCE when humans moved from hunting and gathering to agriculture and settlement, fundamentally changing their way of life.