The domestication of animals occurred some 10,000 years ago and represented a milestone for the history of human civilization. The origin and sequence of domestication is a hotly debated topic among anthropologists and historians. Richard Bulliet, professor of history at Colombia University, argues that animals were probably first kept in captivity for use in sacrificial rites. This practice allowed ancient civilizations to observe which species were tame enough for use for work animals. Animals, notably cattle, provided labor and locomotion when they were harnessed to plows, sledges, and wagons beginning in about 4000 BC. Thus, animal agriculture was indispensable to accelerating the development of agriculture. The flesh and hides of sacrificial animals were routinely consumed by those in the royal house or priesthood. Eventually, the habit of having animals under human at all times provided a constant and consistent food supply ready at hand. It also thereby created the leisure time necessary to societal progress.
1. importance of animal labor in food production
2. limitation on the development of crop agriculture
3. organization of sacrificial rites in different cultures
4. origin and usefulness of the domestication of animals
5. use of food animals to gain status and political influence
(I strongly agree with 4. but I prefer to be secure with others opinions)
If you need to choose the one that best summarizes the passage, I agree with 4.
1. Importance of animal labor in food production: Animal labor played a crucial role in the development of agriculture by providing power for tasks such as plowing, transportation, and heavy lifting. This increased efficiency and productivity, allowing humans to cultivate larger areas of land and produce a surplus of food, which in turn supported the growth of human populations and civilizations.
2. Limitation on the development of crop agriculture: While animal agriculture was essential for accelerating the development of crop agriculture, it also posed certain limitations. Maintaining and feeding animals required the availability of grazing land or the cultivation of fodder crops. This could potentially limit the amount of land available for crop cultivation and impact the expansion of agricultural practices.
3. Organization of sacrificial rites in different cultures: The practice of keeping animals in captivity for sacrificial rites varied among different cultures. These rituals were often associated with religious or spiritual beliefs and involved the sacrifice of animals as an offering to gods or deities. The organization and significance of these rites varied, with specific animals chosen for sacrifice based on cultural beliefs and traditions.
4. Origin and usefulness of the domestication of animals: The domestication of animals began around 10,000 years ago and represented a milestone in human civilization. The initial purpose of domesticating animals is debated among historians, with some suggesting that animals were first kept in captivity for sacrificial rites. As humans interacted with animals, they were able to observe which species were tame and suitable for work animals. This led to the utilization of animals for labor, such as plowing fields, pulling sledges, and powering wagons, which greatly aided in the development of agriculture.
5. Use of food animals to gain status and political influence: Over time, the practice of domesticating animals for sacrificial rites evolved, and the flesh and hides of sacrificial animals were consumed by those in the royal house or priesthood. This consumption not only provided a constant and easily accessible food supply but also symbolized the status and power of those who could afford to feast on such animals. The ownership and control of livestock became a means of gaining status and influence in society.
It seems that you agree with point 4, which discusses the origin and usefulness of the domestication of animals. The other points provide additional context and perspectives on the topic.
Based on the passage you provided, the answer to your question is 4. The passage clearly explains the origin and usefulness of the domestication of animals, stating that animals were first kept in captivity for sacrificial rites and then used as work animals, providing labor and locomotion for agricultural activities. Additionally, domesticated animals provided a consistent food supply and created the leisure time necessary for societal progress.
To further support your understanding, let's briefly explain the other options:
1. Importance of animal labor in food production: This option is also supported by the passage. It states that animals provided labor and locomotion for plowing fields, pulling sledges, and wagons, which was crucial for accelerating the development of agriculture.
2. Limitation on the development of crop agriculture: While the passage doesn't explicitly mention the limitation on the development of crop agriculture, it indirectly suggests that the domestication of animals played a significant role in advancing agricultural practices. This option can be considered plausible based on the information provided, but it is not directly addressed in the passage.
3. Organization of sacrificial rites in different cultures: The passage briefly mentions that animals were first kept in captivity for use in sacrificial rites. However, it does not delve into the organization of sacrificial rites in different cultures, so this option is not strongly supported by the passage.
5. Use of food animals to gain status and political influence: The passage mentions that the flesh and hides of sacrificial animals were consumed by those in the royal house or priesthood. It implies that the consumption of food animals might have been associated with status and influence in ancient civilizations. However, the passage does not explicitly discuss the use of food animals to gain status and political influence, so this option is not directly addressed.
In conclusion, based on the information provided, option 4 - origin and usefulness of the domestication of animals - is strongly supported by the passage, while the other options have varying degrees of plausibility but are not as directly addressed.