why did early human domesticated animals
Domesticating goats, pigs, and small fowl gave humans the advantage of having a source of replenishing food—in the form of eggs, milk, and meat from the animals that were past their prime— that they could take with them wherever they went. This allowed humans to spread out.
The use of larger animals allowed more distant travel and expanded their agricultural ability. Pack mules, camels, and horses could haul people and supplies. The use of oxen and horses allowed people to sow crops over a much larger area than they were originally able to do by hand.
The domestication of dogs and cats protected humans from attack and protected their food from rodents.
Here is an interesting article about the beginnings of animal domestication and the impact on humans:
Domestication and early agriculture in the Mediterranean Basin: Origins, diffusion, and impact
One of the main things to consider is this: the less time humans had to spend just trying to survive (by defending against attack and hunting/foraging for food), the more time they could devote to physical and intellectual expansion. The use of animals provided humans the luxury of that time.
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why did early human domesticated animals
Introduction:
Early humans began domesticating animals for various reasons, which played a crucial role in their survival and development. This process involved taming wild animals and adapting them to human environments. Domestication provided numerous benefits, such as a stable food supply, transportation, labor assistance, companionship, and protection. Let's explore these reasons in detail.
Stable Food Supply:
- One of the primary motivations for early humans to domesticate animals was to ensure a steady food source.
- Domestication allowed humans to raise animals for meat, milk, eggs, and other animal products.
- Animals like cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs were selectively bred to produce higher quantities of meat and dairy products.
- This ensured a reliable and consistent supply of food for human communities, reducing their dependence on hunting and gathering.
Transportation and Labor Assistance:
- Domesticated animals also served as reliable means of transportation and provided valuable labor assistance.
- Horses, oxen, and donkeys were tamed and trained to carry heavy loads, pull carts, and plow fields.
- This made it easier for early humans to transport goods, establish trade networks, and engage in agriculture.
- The use of domesticated animals for labor reduced the physical strain on humans, allowing them to accomplish tasks more efficiently.
Companionship and Emotional Support:
- The domestication of animals also provided early humans with companionship and emotional support.
- Dogs, for example, were the first animals to be domesticated and became loyal companions to humans.
- They provided protection, aided in hunting, and served as early warning systems against potential threats.
- The bond between humans and domesticated animals helped alleviate feelings of loneliness and provided emotional comfort.
Protection and Security:
- Domesticated animals played a crucial role in providing protection and security to early human settlements.
- Dogs, as mentioned earlier, were effective in guarding homes and alerting humans to intruders.
- Other animals, such as geese, were domesticated for their ability to raise an alarm in the presence of strangers.
- The presence of domesticated animals acted as a deterrent for potential predators, reducing the risk of attacks on human communities.
Conclusion:
The domestication of animals by early humans was driven by various factors, including the need for a stable food supply, transportation and labor assistance, companionship, and protection. This process allowed humans to establish a symbiotic relationship with animals, benefiting both parties. The domestication of animals played a pivotal role in shaping human civilization and laid the foundation for agricultural practices, animal husbandry, and the development of modern societies.
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