A Natural History of Domesticated Mammals
A Natural History of Domesticated Mammals
Out of Print
Humans have manipulated and changed the way of life of other mammals for thousands of years. This new edition of A Natural History of Domesticated Mammals explores the progress which has been made in understanding the origins of domestication and its spread, both biologically and culturally, across the world. The archaeological evidence for the earliest dating of domestication of each species is included, reflecting the recent expansion in such studies. Human history has been inexorably linked with the exploitation and often very cruel treatment of animals. In today's society attitudes to animal welfare have improved. It is now recognised that an understanding of the ecology and behavioural patterns of wild species is necessary in ensuring the well-being and correct husbandry of their domesticated descendants. This book provides up-to-date information on the natural history of all the mammals on which human societies have depended for their survival.
- Contains descriptions of all the wild ancestors of our domestic mammals
- Copiously illustrated with line drawings, maps and photographs of animals and artefacts
- Fully referenced with an extensive bibliography as a source for further reading
Reviews & endorsements
'… an excellent, thorough treatment of the history of domestication.' New Scientist
'… an up-to-date, well-written and superbly illustrated survey of domestication and the early history of mammals.' The Times Literary Supplement
'… achieves the difficult feat of explaining a complex and often contentious subject simply and entertainingly.' British Archaeology
'… a lucid text illustrated with excellent line drawings and colour photographs.' Flora and Fauna Preservation Society
'… elegantly written, profusely illustrated, and a pleasure to read.' The Antiquaries Journal
'… a very readable introduction to the early history of domesticated mammals.' American Antiquity
Product details
March 1988Paperback
9780521346979
208 pages
246 × 190 × 16 mm
0.612kg
183 b/w illus. 22 colour illus. 2 tables
Unavailable - out of print July 1992
Table of Contents
- Preface and acknowledgements
- Introduction
- 1. The meat supply of hunter-gatherers
- Section I. Animal Partners:
- 2. The process of domestication
- 3. Selective breeding and the definition of a breed
- 4. Dogs
- 5. The origins of domestic livestock - why bother to farm?
- 6. Sheep and goats
- 7. Cattle
- 8. Pigs
- 9. Horses
- 10. Asses, mules and hinnies
- Section II. Exploited Captives:
- 11. Cats
- 12. Elephants
- 13. Camels and llamas
- 14. Reindeer
- 15. Asiatic cattle, excluding the zebu
- Section III. Small Mammals:
- 16. The rabbit and the ferret
- 17. Rodents and carnivores exploited for food and fur
- Section IV. Experimental Domestication and Ranching, Past and Present:
- 18. The cheetah, aquatic mammals, deer and bovids
- Conclusions - The geography of domestication
- Appendix I. Nomenclature of the domestic mammals
- Appendix II. Climatic sequences and archaeological divisions of the Quaternary period
- References and further reading
- Index.
