A Natural History of Domesticated MammalsHumans have manipulated and changed the way of life of other mammals for thousands of years. This new edition of A Natural History of Domesticated Mammals explores the progress which has been made in understanding the origins of domestication and its spread, both biologically and culturally, across the world. The archaeological evidence for the earliest dating of domestication of each species is included, reflecting the recent expansion in such studies. Human history has been inexorably linked with the exploitation and often very cruel treatment of animals. In today's society attitudes to animal welfare have improved. It is now recognised that an understanding of the ecology and behavioural patterns of wild species is necessary in ensuring the well-being and correct husbandry of their domesticated descendants. This book provides up-to-date information on the natural history of all the mammals on which human societies have depended for their survival. |
Contents
The meat supply of huntergatherers | 10 |
The process of domestication | 29 |
Dogs | 49 |
The origins of domestic livestock why bother to farm? | 62 |
Cattle | 81 |
Horses | 100 |
Asses mules and hinnies | 114 |
Exploited captives | 129 |
Camels and llamas | 151 |
Asiatic cattle excluding the zebu | 167 |
Rodents and carnivores exploited for food and fur | 185 |
The cheetah aquatic mammals deer and bovids | 199 |
Nomenclature of the domestic | 219 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
000 years ago adapted Africa ancient ancient Egypt antlers artificial selection aurochs banteng behaviour bison blackbuck bones Bos primigenius bovid bred breeds brown rat camelids camels captivity carnivores cattle cheetah colour common described domestic animals domestic cat domestic dog domestic horses domestic mammals domestic sheep donkey earliest early elephants environment equids Equus hemionus Europe European European mouflon evidence example exploited extinct feral FIGURE gaur gazelle herds horns human hunters hunter-gatherers hunting ibex Indian inhabited islands ivory Jericho killed large number livestock living male mammoth meat Mesolithic mithan mouflon mountains North America northern onager Ovis Palaeolithic period pigs Pleistocene population pre-pottery Neolithic prehistoric present day probably rabbit red deer reindeer remains Roman skull social South subspecies survival tabby tail tamed tarpan ungulates vicuna water buffalo western Asia whilst wild animals wild ass wild cat wild progenitor wild species wolf wolves zebu
Popular passages
Page 227 - On skulls of horses from the Roman fort at Newstead, near Melrose, with observations on the origin of domestic horses.