Domesticating animals played a significant role in early agricultural societies by enhancing productivity in agriculture. The domestication of animals provided various benefits, including:
- Labor: Animals such as oxen and horses were used for plowing fields and transporting goods, which increased the efficiency of agricultural practices.
- Fertilization: Animal manure served as a valuable fertilizer, improving soil fertility and crop yields.
- Food Sources: Domesticated animals provided meat, milk, and other resources (like wool and leather), which contributed to the diet and overall sustenance of agricultural communities.
- Companionship and Security: Certain animals, such as dogs, provided companionship, helped in herding, and offered protection from predators.
Overall, the domestication of animals was integral to the development and success of early agricultural societies, significantly enhancing agricultural productivity rather than having a minor role or causing conflicts.