Plants:
* Food: This was the primary purpose. Domesticated plants provided a reliable and predictable source of calories and nutrients. This allowed humans to settle in one place and develop agriculture, leading to the rise of villages and cities.
* Clothing and Housing: Fibers like cotton, flax, and wool were harvested from domesticated plants for weaving clothes and constructing shelters.
* Medicine: Many plants were used for their medicinal properties, providing treatment for various ailments.
* Tools and Materials: Wood from trees was used for building houses, furniture, tools, and weapons.
Animals:
* Food: Domesticated animals provided meat, milk, eggs, and other animal products for sustenance.
* Labor: Animals like oxen and horses were used for plowing fields, transporting goods, and other tasks.
* Clothing and Housing: Animal skins and wool were used for clothing and shelters.
* Transportation: Horses and camels were used for riding and transporting goods over long distances.
* Companionship: Dogs, cats, and other animals provided emotional support and companionship.
Beyond basic needs, domesticated plants and animals also allowed for:
* Trade: Surplus crops and livestock were traded, leading to economic development.
* Social organization: Domestication played a role in the development of social hierarchies and specialized labor.
* Cultural expression: Domesticated plants and animals were used in art, literature, and religious practices.
Key Impacts:
* Population growth: Reliable food sources allowed populations to grow exponentially.
* Civilization: Domestication led to the development of agriculture, which in turn led to the rise of cities, states, and complex societies.
* Environmental impact: Domestication altered landscapes, leading to deforestation, habitat loss, and the spread of invasive species.
In summary, the domestication of plants and animals had a profound impact on human history and continues to shape our lives today. It provided a foundation for our civilization, enabled our societies to flourish, and continues to be a key element in our food production and cultural practices.