8 Commonly Misunderstood Wild and Domesticated Species

People in Mesopotamia began taming animals for food, dairy, and skins around 10,000 years ago. The skins of tamed animals were used to make clothing, storage containers, and tents. Goats were most likely the first species to be domesticated, with sheep following soon after. As a result, the same animals began to seem different, and it's only natural that many people have difficulty distinguishing between wild and domesticated species. Are you curious about these animals? Let's find out with Dardarkom!

#1. Regular And Wild Cows. 

Source: Luis Manuel Madrigal

Cattle's ancestors can be traced back to the extinct aurochs. Cattle, like many other species, were most likely domesticated on many occasions. Domestication occurred for the first time around 10,500 years ago in Iran. Around 6000 years later, the zebu is said to have evolved from an Indian subspecies of the aurochs.

African cattle descended from the earlier line and were later interbred with the indicus type, which is distinguished by its unique hump and provides superior adaption to warm temperatures. There are about 800 recognized cow breeds, however only a tiny number of these are recognized by breed associations. The global cattle population is projected to be 1.5 billion people.

#2. Regular And Wild Horses.

Source: Flocci Nivis

Wild horses were domesticated in what is now Kazakhstan approximately 6,000 years ago. The horse was used for transportation and as a source of food throughout its early domestication. The modern horse has evolved significantly, and its wild progenitor is now extinct.

Today's horse has over 200 recognized breeds, as well as hundreds of unique local types that are not recognized by breeding organizations. A European food processing company mislabeled horse meat as beef in 2013, resulting in many recalls of goods containing the meat.

#3. Regular And Wild Goats.

Source: George Chernilevsky

As the second species of wild animal, humans selectively bred the bezoar, commonly known as the wild goat. These agile, wiry ungulates may not appear to be ideal candidates for domestication at first appearance, but their ability to transform scarce vegetation into important commodities such as hides, meat, and milk made the effort worthwhile for Fertile Crescent inhabitants. Breeding of these animals began 11,000 years ago, producing generations of solitary goat herders.

There are now approximately 200 different breeds of domestic goat. From tiny miniatures maintained as house pets to cashmere goats with smooth coats used for textiles to huge animals weighing close to 300 pounds, there is something for everyone.

Also: 20 Adorable Pet Images That Can Brighten Your Day

#4. Regular And Wild Cats.

Source: Von.grzanka

A curious and unusual-looking cat that had been sighted on his land for months was recently captured by a Missouri farmer. The Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge identified it as an African serval, and it most likely escaped from a caged scenario and was left to fend for itself. The rescuers believe it would not have survived much longer because it was not acclimated to the harsh winter climate of the Midwest.

The serval weights 29 pounds, which is nearly three times the weight of the ordinary domestic cat, according to the shelter. It is thought to be around five years old, or one-fourth of its average lifespan.

#5. Regular And Wild Sheep.

Source: Bernard Ladenthin

Several subspecies of this wild sheep (mouflon) were carried down from the mountains around 10,000 years ago. Their descendants were the forefathers of early Ugg boots and shearling jackets. Wool-producing variants did not appear until several thousand years later. Originally, they were slaughtered for their hides and meat rather than bred for wool production.

Over 200 kinds of domestic sheep exist, ranging from breeds that generate excessive amounts of wool and require regular shearing to avoid overheating to tropical varieties with smooth coats comparable to goats. Despite the sheep's reputation for being docile and easy to manage, several kinds have demonstrated exceptional intelligence, including the ability to recognize their own names.

#6. Regular And Wild Goldfish.

Source: George Chernilevsky

Previously, it was thought that goldfish were descended from the Crucian carp, but current research has indicated that they are either descended from the closely related Prussian carp or the consequence of hybridization. Wild goldfish, unlike their domesticated counterparts, have a muted color palette of metallic greens rather than brilliant oranges and whites. Selective breeding of mutant goldfish began some 2000 years ago in China. Goldfish ponds became prominent landscaping features in China during the Tang Dynasty.

Despite the unfortunate tradition of handing out goldfish as carnival prizes, leading to the death of many of these pets, goldfish are also a popular food source for captive carnivorous fish. If properly cared for, goldfish can live for over a decade, yet many still succumb to premature deaths.

Also: Who is Angie Kenai From 'Outlast'? Everything You Don’t Know About Her

#7. Regular And Wild Pigs.

Source: Johan Spaedtke

Someone bravely trapped a herd of wild boars some 9,000 years ago, most likely in modern-day Turkey. Domestication of wild boars in China and Europe most likely occurred independently. Regardless of their ancestors, their descendants were forced to subsist on human feces. Pigs were regularly observed roaming the streets of ancient communities, devouring waste and providing a readily available source of meat.

The once-ferocious wild boar has been domesticated into over 70 domestic pig breeds, ranging from pink pigs to big, hairy varieties adapted to certain habitats. Pigs, against popular belief, are very intelligent animals. Recent medical breakthroughs indicate that they could even be used to generate new hearts for transplantation.

#8. Regular And Wild Dogs.

Source: Ken Billington

Researchers largely agree that the gray wolf is the ancestor of the domesticated dog. This change is thought to have occurred anywhere between 32,000 and 14,000 years ago. However, a small group of biologists believe that dogs descended from an extinct wild ancestor, comparable to modern-day pariah dogs or dingoes. Whatever its origins, the dog is still the first animal to be tamed by humans. Over 400 domestic dog breeds have been developed as a result of centuries of passion for dogs. The origins of dogs and their special affinity with humans are still being researched.

Hopefully this article will help you distinguish between wild and domesticated animals? What other animals do you want to know? Please share them with us in the comment section below. To see more articles about this adorable animal, visit Dardarkom and check it out with us!