History Domestication

the earliest human attempts @ plant domestication occurred in middle east. there evidence conscious cultivation , trait selection of plants pre-neolithic groups in syria: grains of rye domestic traits have been recovered epi-palaeolithic (c. 11,050 bce) contexts @ abu hureyra in syria, appears localised phenomenon resulting cultivation of stands of wild rye, rather definitive step towards domestication.

by 10,000 bce bottle gourd (lagenaria siceraria) plant, used container before advent of ceramic technology, appears have been domesticated. domesticated bottle gourd reached americas asia 8000 bce, due migration of peoples asia america.

cereal crops first domesticated around 9000 bce in fertile crescent in middle east. first domesticated crops annuals large seeds or fruits. these included pulses such peas , grains such wheat. middle east suited these species; dry-summer climate conducive evolution of large-seeded annual plants, , variety of elevations led great variety of species. domestication took place humans began move hunter-gatherer society settled agricultural society. change lead, 4000 5000 years later, first city states , rise of civilization itself.

continued domestication gradual, process of intermittent trial , error. on time perennials , small trees including apple , olive domesticated. plants, such macadamia nut , pecan, not domesticated until recently.

in other parts of world different species domesticated. in americas squash, maize, beans, , perhaps manioc (also known cassava) formed core of diet. in east asia millet, rice, , soy important crops. areas of world such southern africa, australia, california , southern south america never saw local species domesticated.