Domestic or Not
By Julia A. Keirns
Did you know that dogs were the first animals domesticated by humans nearly 20,000 years ago, and it is thought that the Bactrian Camel was domesticated as early as 2,000 B. C.
Humans began trying to domesticate wild animals because they could provide meat, milk, eggs, wool and labor. An animal species becomes domestic when it has been successfully raised in the presence of humans for many generations.
Llamas are being raised domestically today, possibly as close as the neighbor’s farm. Domesticated yaks are ridden and used as pack animals in some places.
Animals that will return to the wild if they escape are not considered truly domestic. Even guinea pigs and hamsters must remain caged to keep them from escaping.
Can you guess what the only insect successfully domesticated by humans is? If you thought honeybees, you are correct.
Some true domestic animals I can think of include alpacas, camels, cats, chickens, dogs, elephants, goldfish, llamas, rabbits, reindeer and sheep.
Can you think of anymore domestic animals?
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Storybird review – “This is a very interesting little story that covers a topic that I have never seen addressed before. The difference between wild and domestic animals is fairly obvious and yet the factors defining the two are rarely discussed. A unique topic that provides good food for thought!” Reviewed by Paulhappel