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SOURCES: World Book Encyclopedia, World Book Inc.; www.historyworld.net; http://science.howstuffworks.com

LEARN ABOUT COLONIAL CHRISTMAS IN THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF WORLD OF WONDER© 2012 Triefeldt Studios, Inc.Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

At a bookstore near you: Two full-color World of Wonder compilations: “Plants & Animals” and “People & Places.” For more information, please visit QuillDriverBooks.com.

By Laurie Triefeldt

DogsNo one knows how dogs and humans became best friends, but fossils of a domesticated dog from a 14,000-year-old grave have been unearthed by archaeologists.It is probable that humans began taking in wolf pups and over time were able to tame them. And because wolves live in packs, hu-mans were able to take the place of the alpha dog and could teach the animals to be obedient.Human intelligence, combined with the speed and ferocity of dogs, made a deadly combination on the hunting field. Sharing the meat made this a mutually beneficial relationship.

CatsCats became domesticated much later than dogs, and most still look and act much like their wild ances-tors (the European wild cat and African wild cat). Archaeologists have discovered a 9,500-year-old gravesite with the remains of a hu-man buried intentionally with a cat.Cats were useful to humans be-cause they kept rodent and snake populations down. Cats were probably attracted to humans by food scraps and eventually were domesticated by the offer of free meals and shelter.

Why can’t zebras be domesticated?The reason so few animals have been domesticated is that many species are simply too wild. For an animal to be domesticated, it must have some special traits: a flexible diet, a fast growth rate, a friendly disposition, easy breeding and a social hierarchy. It must not panic when restrained or if it perceives a threat. Cows, for example, are generally calm animals, making them easier to domesticate.

ControversyNot everyone believes that animal domestication is a good thing. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is largely opposed to human interference in animal lives.

It’s in the genes Historically, domestication has been a combination of natural genetic evolution and selective breeding. But new technologies like genetic engineering (the manipulation of DNA or genes) and cloning have become contro-versial topics of debate. Some say they are unethical; others believe they are the greatest of scientific achievements. What do you think?

4000 3000 2000 1000 A.D. 100050008000 7000 6000900010,00030,000 B.C.

Dog 30,000 B.C. - 7000 B.C. Europe, East Asia and Africa

Sheep 11,000 - 9000 B.C. Southwest Asia

Pig 9000 B.C. Near East, China, Germany

Goat 8000 B.C. IranCow 8000 B.C. India, Middle East and North Africa

Cat 7500 B.C. Cyprus and Near East

Chicken 6000 B.C. India and Southeast Asia

Donkey 5000 B.C. EgyptGuinea pig 5000 B.C. Peru

Duck 4000 B.C. ChinaHorse 4000 B.C. Eurasian steppes

When it happened Different animals were domesticated in different parts of the world at different times. This timeline shows approximately when and where some domestic animals originated.

Llama 3500 B.C. PeruSilkworm 3000 B.C. ChinaReindeer 3000 B.C. RussiaRock pigeon 3000 B.C. MediterraneanGoose 3000 B.C. Egypt

Alpaca 1500 B.C. PeruFerret 1500 B.C. Europe

Rabbit A.D. 600 Europe

Turkey 500 B.C. Mexico

Goldfish unknown China

People have been domesticating animals for thousands of years. Animals have been domesticated for many reasons: to help hunt; to produce food, milk, wool or silk; for labor and transportation; for protection; and for companionship. Dogs and sheep were among the first animals to be domesticated.

The domestication

of the horse has played a vital role in the growth of many civilizations. Horses have been used for riding; for pulling carriages, chari-ots, plows and carts; and

for warfare.

By definitionIn general, a domestic animal is any animal that relies on humans for its food and shelter. Domestic animals also must be able to breed in the environ-ment provided by humans. For example, the Indian elephant has been tamed and is accustomed to people, but it is not considered to be domesticated because it rarely breeds in captivity. (New stock is usually captured from the wild.)Domestic animals include household pets and farm animals (also a couple of insects and some fish). When compared with the number of wild animal spe-cies, domesticated animals are quite rare.

From wild to mildDomestic animals have been influenced largely by selective breeding. For example, dogs have been bred to promote desired traits and create special characteristics, ideal for hunting, herding, guarding and even keeping humans warm. All domesticated animals have changed over the centuries into tamer, quieter animals. Some have changed so much that they do not look or act at all like their wild ancestors. Most modern dogs, for example, bear little resemblance to the wolf, their ancient ancestor.

The St. Bernard, from the Italian and Swiss Alps, was bred to be a rescue dog.

Dolly (1996–2003) was the first mammal to be cloned from the cell

of an adult sheep.