What animals have humans domesticated after dogs? - briefly
After dogs, humans have domesticated several other animals, including cats around 10,000 years ago and cattle approximately 8,500 years ago. Additionally, horses were domesticated around 4,000 BC for both transportation and agricultural work.
What animals have humans domesticated after dogs? - in detail
Humans began domesticating animals long before written history, with dogs being one of the earliest species to be domesticated around 15,000 years ago. Since then, numerous other animals have been brought under human control for various purposes such as companionship, labor, food, and materials like wool or milk. Here is a detailed overview of some key animals that humans have domesticated after dogs:
Cattle (Bos taurus): Domestication of cattle began around 8000 BC in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East. Cattle were initially used for their meat and milk, but they also played a significant role in agriculture by providing traction power for plows. Over time, different breeds were developed to suit various climates and farming needs.
Sheep (Ovis aries): Sheep were first domesticated around 9000 BC in the same region as cattle. They provided meat, milk, wool, and hides, making them valuable for both food and textile production. Different breeds of sheep have been developed over time to optimize these resources in various climates and geographies.
Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus): Goat domestication also started around 9000 BC, likely from wild goats in the Zagros Mountains of Iran. Goats are versatile animals that can thrive in harsh environments, providing meat, milk, hair, and skin. They have been crucial for nomadic cultures and continue to be important in many parts of the world today.
Pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus): Pig domestication began around 8500 BC in the Middle East and China. Pigs were valued for their meat, which is high in protein and fat, making them a crucial food source. They also played a role in agriculture by consuming waste products and helping clear land.
Horses (Equus ferus caballus): Horses were first domesticated around 3500 BC on the steppes of Central Asia. They revolutionized transportation, warfare, and agriculture by providing rapid movement over long distances. Horses also played a significant role in cultural practices and ceremonies across various civilizations.
Cats (Felis catus): While cats were initially domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Near East for pest control, their widespread domestication as companions began much later. Cats became popular pets in ancient Egypt and have since spread globally as beloved household animals.
Camels (Camelus dromedarius and Camelus bactrianus): Camels were domesticated around 3000 BC, with the one-humped dromedary camel in Arabia and the two-humped Bactrian camel in Central Asia. They are crucial for transportation and carrying goods across desert regions, providing a vital means of sustenance and trade in arid environments.
Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus): Chicken domestication began around 8000 BC in Southeast Asia. Chickens were initially valued for cockfighting but later became important for their meat and eggs. They are now one of the most common domesticated animals globally, providing a significant source of protein.
These domesticated animals have significantly shaped human societies and economies by facilitating agriculture, transportation, and various industries. The process of domestication continues to evolve, with new species being introduced into human care for conservation, research, and companionship purposes.