Domestication of animals

During the Neolithic period (the last part of the Stone Age), humans started domesticating animals. Archaeologists have found the remains of animal bones at Neolithic sites. This tells us which animals were domesticated. With the domestication of animals like oxen, pigs and sheep, there was a regular supply of meat and herders were able to keep well fed.

Like plant domestication, animal domestication in the Neolithic period involved artificial selection. Humans bred certain species based on the characteristics they wanted to pass on to the next generation. 

Hunters and gatherers in Central Asia first domesticated dogs at least 15,000 years ago. This was the first species ever to be domesticated. Goats, cattle, other animal species, and plants followed. Over time they became distinct from their wild ancestors and relatives.


Category:History of agriculture
Category:Neolithic