What Does It Mean for an Animal to Be Domesticated
Domestication is a long-term process in which a species is selectively bred for traits like docility, tolerance of humans, and adaptability to captivity. It differs from taming, which is simply training an individual animal to accept human contact.
Can Any Animal Be Domesticated
Not every animal can be domesticated. Successful candidates typically have a flexible diet, a fast growth rate, a willingness to breed in captivity, a manageable temperament, and a social structure that allows humans to assume a leadership role.
Examples of Domesticated and Undomesticated Species
Dogs, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses are classic examples of domesticated animals that now depend on human care. Most wild species, including large predators and most reptiles, remain undomesticated because they do not meet the required behavioral and biological criteria.
For a broader overview of animal domestication, see the overview at Britannica.
