Here's a breakdown of what it entails:
* Tame: Make an animal accustomed to humans and living in a controlled environment, often losing its wild instincts.
* Human Use: This can include various purposes like:
* Food: Raising animals for meat, eggs, milk, or plants for crops.
* Companionship: Keeping pets for emotional support and companionship.
* Work: Using animals for labor like farming, transportation, or guarding.
* Resources: Using animal products like wool, leather, or plant fibers.
Examples:
* Domesticating a dog: Training a wolf pup to be a loyal and obedient companion.
* Domesticating a cow: Breeding cattle for milk production and meat.
* Domesticating rice: Selecting and cultivating specific rice varieties for larger yields.
Domestication is a process that involves selective breeding and changes in the animal's or plant's behavior and genetics over generations. It has played a major role in human history and civilization, allowing for food security, advancements in agriculture, and the development of diverse societies.