Animal Domestication

Definition

Animal domestication is the process by which humans selectively breed and care for wild animals, adapting them for human use in various roles such as labor, companionship, and food production. This process marked a significant transition in human societies, leading to the development of more complex social structures and agricultural practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Animal domestication began during the Neolithic period as people transitioned from hunting and gathering to farming and settling in one place.
2. Domesticated animals provided essential resources such as meat, milk, wool, and labor for farming activities, greatly enhancing human productivity.
3. Species like pigs, sheep, goats, and cattle were among the first to be domesticated, as they adapted well to human environments.
4. The domestication of animals played a crucial role in shaping social structures, allowing for larger communities and the development of trade networks.
5. Evidence of animal domestication can be found in archaeological sites like Banpo, where remains of domesticated animals indicate early agricultural practices.

Review Questions

• How did animal domestication influence the lifestyle changes during the Neolithic period?
  • Animal domestication significantly influenced lifestyle changes during the Neolithic period by enabling humans to transition from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agricultural communities. As people began to domesticate animals, they could rely on them for various resources such as food and labor. This shift allowed for increased food production and led to the establishment of permanent settlements, fostering social complexity and interaction among larger groups.
• In what ways did the domestication of animals contribute to the development of early villages like Banpo?
  • The domestication of animals contributed to the development of early villages like Banpo by providing a stable food source and resources that supported a growing population. With access to domesticated animals such as pigs and chickens, residents could ensure a more reliable diet, which allowed them to focus on crafting, trade, and other community-building activities. This interplay between agriculture and animal husbandry laid the groundwork for organized societies with diverse economic activities.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of animal domestication on human societies and how it shaped modern civilizations.
  • The long-term impacts of animal domestication on human societies have been profound, contributing to the rise of agriculture and complex civilizations. By allowing people to settle and form larger communities, domesticated animals fostered advancements in technology, trade networks, and social hierarchies. The resulting stability enabled societies to develop specialized roles beyond food production, paving the way for cultural achievements and innovations that define modern civilizations today. Additionally, this practice has affected ecosystems worldwide as domesticated species spread and adapted to new environments.

Related terms

Neolithic Revolution: A period of significant change that began around 10,000 BCE, characterized by the shift from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agricultural communities.

Pastoralism:

A subsistence strategy based on the herding and breeding of livestock for food, clothing, and other resources.

Agriculture:

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