Domestication Flashcards
What are the main benefits of domestication?
Reliable food source, “walking larders”
Didn’t have to hunt them if domesticated, saves energy, easy access
Secondary products – animals not just good for meat e.g. milk production, horn, bone, skins
Easier availability of clothing (wool, skins), tools, shelter
Transportation – of people, cargo and trade
Agriculture – land cultivation, fertilisation
Protection e.g. dogs
Fighting and warfare e.g. oxen, horses
Companionship?
What are the requirements for domestication?
Adaptable diet Ability to be captive-bred Less aggressive than other species Predictable, even temperament Social, hierarchical animals in the wild – can see humans as dominant
Case study - dogs
The earliest domesticated animal, East Asian origins 15,000 years ago. Avoided being killed by being tame and recognising human behaviour. Genes to eat a starchy diet helped in the early domestication of dogs from wolves, the gene is not found in wolves. Selection for different traits has led to huge diversity in dog species
Case study - cats
Domestication co-arose with the development of early agriculture – grain store pests of mice and rats increased wild cat numbers near settlements. Domestication based on tolerance people put up with cats because of the benefits of pest control
Case study - horses
Horses originally hunted for meat. Botai horses - excavations in Kazakhstan found remains of horses from about 5700 years ago, 5 out of 15 horses found had signs of bridling in the teeth remains. Horses ridden to hunt other horses. Wild horses in America are the feral descendants of domesticated horses brought back by Europeans
Case study - cattle
No extant wild ancestor (similar to horses). Aurochsen are the common ancestor, went extinct 1627 years ago. Wild aurochsen domesticated in the near east around 10,000 years ago led to Taurine cattle. Cattle were domesticated for:
Meat Milk Hides Traction Transportation Sport (bull fighting)
