Final answer:
Animal domestication is a cornerstone of human development, particularly from the Neolithic Age, leading to the establishment of pastoral societies and greatly influencing human culture and sustenance. The domestication process resulted in animals with desirable traits and served as a foundation for specialized occupations, trade, and cultural symbols. A strong human-animal relationship and deep knowledge of the domesticated animals became vital to human society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of domestication of animals has played a critical part in human civilization, particularly during the Neolithic Age, influencing societies to transition from hunting and gathering to pastoral and agricultural lifestyles. Starting around 10,000 BCE, certain animals such as sheep, goats, chickens, horses, and llamas, were domesticated for their desirable traits like docility, strength, and efficient reproduction. Pastoral societies like the Maasai relied heavily on animal domestication for survival, utilizing herding and breeding techniques to secure a stable food supply and resource surplus.
Additionally, the selective breeding process led to animals with preferred behaviors and physical traits, such as the domestication of dogs, which, along with their use for work, became companions and family properties passed through generations. The intimate relationship between humans and domesticated animals has also encouraged a deeper understanding of animal and environmental knowledge, fostering specialized occupations and, consequently, trade among communities. Moreover, this symbiotic relationship with animals extended into cultural aspects, where animals were viewed not only as subsistence sources but also as pets, symbols, and even aspects that influenced human behavior and social structures, reflecting the profound impact of domesticating animals on human development.