25 Most Significant Inventions In Human History

The domestication of animals changed how humans behave in a major way. Before humans realized that animals like cows, horses and pigs could be bred and used for a wide variety of purposes, we needed to hunt and follow animal migration patterns in order to survive. We also relied on only ourselves, unaware that we could share things with other animals.

Over time, animal domestication yielded more and more positive results. Wild dogs became ideal hunting partners. Horses were excellent for manual labor, transportation, and warfare. Chickens, cattle, pigs and a whole plethora of other animals offered food for humans to consume. Furry animals with thick hides provided the first humans the kind of clothing needed to survive in colder climates that were otherwise deemed inhospitable.

Even some of the most dangerous animals could have their use to humans. Maoris made their weapons out of the bones and spines of dangerous animals. Bees became ideal companions to farmers for pollinating their fruits, and they were essential for yielding wax for candles and honey for human consumption. Even venomous animals could be used, as their toxins could be used to create medicine, and some of them even have compounds that can be used to treat other human illnesses.

Without understanding how animals could benefit humans, we’d all still be in caves, trying to compete with the animals that we could instead be cooperating with, and eventually training to become our companions.