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)

2 answers

If you need to choose the one that best summarizes the passage, I agree with 4.
i think that it's 1 tho