Domestication

Definition

Domestication refers to the process of adapting wild plants and animals for human use, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties. This transformation allowed humans to settle in one place, leading to the development of agriculture and the establishment of permanent settlements. As a result, domestication was a key factor in the emergence of complex societies, facilitating population growth, trade, and social stratification.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Domestication began around 10,000 years ago during the Neolithic Revolution when humans transitioned from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming.
2. The first domesticated plants included wheat and barley in the Fertile Crescent, while animals such as goats and sheep were among the earliest domesticated species.
3. Domestication allowed for a more reliable food supply, which enabled larger populations to thrive and contributed to the growth of villages and towns.
4. As societies became more complex due to domestication, specialized roles emerged, leading to advancements in technology, trade, and governance.
5. The spread of domesticated species played a crucial role in the exchange of goods and ideas between cultures, facilitating interactions that shaped early civilizations.

Review Questions

• How did domestication contribute to the transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled agricultural societies?
  • Domestication allowed humans to cultivate plants and raise animals in a controlled manner, which led to a stable food supply. This reliability meant people could settle in one place instead of constantly moving in search of food. As they established permanent settlements, they could build communities and develop agriculture further, ultimately laying the groundwork for more complex societies.
• Discuss the relationship between domestication and social stratification in emerging complex societies.
  • As domestication led to increased food production and stable settlements, it also resulted in surplus resources. This surplus allowed some individuals or families to accumulate wealth and power, leading to social stratification. Different roles emerged within these societies, with some people becoming farmers while others took on specialized tasks like trade or governance. This hierarchy influenced social dynamics and interactions within these communities.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of domestication on human societies and their development throughout history.
  • The long-term impacts of domestication are profound, shaping not just individual societies but also global history. Domestication paved the way for agriculture, which supported population growth and urbanization. This process fostered cultural exchanges through trade networks established by sedentary communities. Over time, the inequalities and complexities arising from domestication have influenced political structures, economic systems, and cultural developments across civilizations, forming the foundation of modern society.

Related terms

Agriculture:

The practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain and enhance human life.

Sedentism: The practice of living in one place for an extended period, which often arises from agricultural practices and the domestication of plants and animals.

Social Stratification:

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals within a society, often based on factors such as wealth, power, and social status, which can emerge from the complexities of settled life.