Why did people domesticate animals during the Neolithic era?

Question

Animals were used as pets and companions.
Animals were used to show a person’s wealth.
Animals were used during religious ceremonies.
Animals were used for labor and farming tasks.

Answer 1

During the Neolithic era, people primarily domesticated animals for labor and farming tasks. This period marked the transition from nomadic lifestyles to more settled agricultural societies, and domesticated animals became crucial for various reasons:

1. Labor: Animals such as oxen and horses were used for plowing fields and transporting goods, greatly increasing agricultural efficiency.
2. Farming Tasks: Animals helped in the cultivation of crops by aiding in tasks such as turning soil and managing larger plots of land, which supported the growth of stable food supplies.
3. Food Sources: Domesticated animals provided meat, milk, and eggs, contributing to a more consistent and reliable food source.
4. Herding and Protection: Animals like dogs were used for herding livestock and protecting both animals and human settlements.

While animals may have also been kept for companionship or other social reasons, their practical uses in labor and farming were the primary motivations for domestication during the Neolithic era.