Societal Ramifications of Plant and Animal Domestication
The Neolithic period (from 9000 B.C.E to 2500 B.C.E) was a time of great growth and change for the people of Earth. It was brought about by the domestication of several types of plants and animals. Animal domestication began as a mutually beneficial relationship between wolves and humans, whereas plant domestication arose when our forager ancestors began planting seeds. The development of these mutually beneficial relationships undeniably changed human society, and indeed the very course of human history.
About 15,000 years ago the first known dogs appeared in what is modern day Iraq. How they came about is not totally known; however we do know that they came from wolves. Perhaps foragers found some abandoned wolf cubs and nurtured them to adulthood. A bond or trust would be developed which would be carried on for subsequent wolf generations-not only would there be a companionship but the wolves would become invaluable hunting partners, providing …show more content…
This happened around 9000 B.C.E. Originally bred for meat, milk and skins, these animals lent themselves to be easily herded, thus giving way to a pastoral or herding way of life for the foragers. Following after the goats and sheep, pigs, chickens and cattle became domesticated. These animals provided a fresh, reliable, high protein food source for the humans and further allowing the population to grow. However, living in close proximity to these animals exposed the humans to new illnesses and diseases with some even causing death. Of these first domesticated animals, cattle embody the most significant development in village life. Not only do cows provide milk and meat, but the brute strength of the ox is an unparalleled addition to human muscle power. The oxen were put to work helping plow fields, carry goods and even pull wagons thus getting more work done for less energy output for the
The Neolithic period (from 9000 B.C.E to 2500 B.C.E) was a time of great growth and change for the people of Earth. It was brought about by the domestication of several types of plants and animals. Animal domestication began as a mutually beneficial relationship between wolves and humans, whereas plant domestication arose when our forager ancestors began planting seeds. The development of these mutually beneficial relationships undeniably changed human society, and indeed the very course of human history.
About 15,000 years ago the first known dogs appeared in what is modern day Iraq. How they came about is not totally known; however we do know that they came from wolves. Perhaps foragers found some abandoned wolf cubs and nurtured them to adulthood. A bond or trust would be developed which would be carried on for subsequent wolf generations-not only would there be a companionship but the wolves would become invaluable hunting partners, providing …show more content…
This happened around 9000 B.C.E. Originally bred for meat, milk and skins, these animals lent themselves to be easily herded, thus giving way to a pastoral or herding way of life for the foragers. Following after the goats and sheep, pigs, chickens and cattle became domesticated. These animals provided a fresh, reliable, high protein food source for the humans and further allowing the population to grow. However, living in close proximity to these animals exposed the humans to new illnesses and diseases with some even causing death. Of these first domesticated animals, cattle embody the most significant development in village life. Not only do cows provide milk and meat, but the brute strength of the ox is an unparalleled addition to human muscle power. The oxen were put to work helping plow fields, carry goods and even pull wagons thus getting more work done for less energy output for the