8 Wild And Domesticated Species That You May Have Trouble Telling Apart

Almost 400 domestic dog breeds have been developed as a result of centuries of affection and selective breeding of dogs. The origins of dogs and their particular affinity with humans are still being researched. A widespread theory is that the bond between humans and dogs was formed when our ancestors started sharing food with gray wolves, which then became their pets and assisted them in hunting.

2. Regular vs wild cats

Source: © Von.grzanka, © RooM the Agency

A curious and unusual-looking cat that had been sighted by a Missouri farmer on his land for months was recently captured. The Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge recognized 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 since it was not acclimated to the harsh winter environment of the Midwest.
The serval weighs 29 pounds, which is nearly three times the weight of the ordinary domestic cat, according to the shelter. It is thought to be approximately five years old, or one-fourth of its average lifespan.

3. Regular vs wild sheep

Source: © Bernard Ladenthin, © WoodsAndrew

Many subspecies of this wild sheep (mouflon) were carried down from the highlands around 10,000 years ago. Their descendants were the forefathers of early Ugg boots and shearling coats. Wool-producing variants did not appear until many thousand years later. Originally, they were slaughtered for their skins and flesh rather than raised for wool production.
Almost 200 kinds of domestic sheep exist, ranging from types that generate excessive amounts of wool and require regular shearing to avoid overheating to tropical variations 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 capacity to know their own names.

4. Regular vs wild goats

Source: © George Chernilevsky, © Alexander Malkhasyan

One of the earliest domesticated animals, the bezoar, commonly known as the wild goat, was carefully bred by humans. These nimble, wiry ungulates may not appear to be ideal candidates for domestication at first appearance, but their ability to transform limited vegetation into important commodities such as skins, 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 goats. From small miniatures maintained as house pets to cashmere goats with smooth coats used for textiles to huge animals weighing up to 300 pounds, there is something for everyone.

5. Regular vs wild pigs

Source: © Johan Spaedtke, © Valentin Panzirsch

Pigs (Sus scrofa) were domesticated in the Near East between 8,500 and 8,000 years ago and were later carried to Europe by agriculturalists. Domestication of wild boars in China and Europe most likely occurred independently. It is usually assumed that pigs were domesticated separately in the Near East and East Asia beginning 10,000 years ago after Sus sp. arrived in Southeast Asia during the early Pliocene climate oscillations. 5.3-3.5 million years ago.  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 supply of meat.
The once-ferocious wild boar has been tamed into over 70 domestic pig breeds, ranging from pink pigs to big, hairy varieties adapted to certain habitats. Pigs, against popular belief, are very clever creatures. Recent medical breakthroughs indicate that they might potentially be used to generate fresh hearts for transplantation.

6. Regular vs wild cows

Source: © Luis Manuel Madrigal, © H. Zell

Cattle's ancestors may 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. Some 6000 years later, the zebu is said to have evolved from an Indian subspecies of the aurochs.
African cattle descended from the older line and were subsequently interbred with the indicus type, which is distinguished by its unique hump and provides superior adaption to hotter temperatures. There are about 800 recognized cow breeds, however, only a tiny number of them are recognized by breed associations. The global cattle population is projected to be 1.5 billion people.

7. Regular vs wild goldfish

Source: © Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, © George Chernilevsky

8. Regular vs wild horses

Source: © Flocci Nivis, © Photo by David J. Stang

Wild horses were tamed in what is now Kazakhstan some 6,000 years ago. The horse was used for transportation and food throughout its early domestication. The modern horse has developed tremendously, and its wild predecessor 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 business mislabeled horse meat as beef in 2013, resulting in many recalls of goods containing the meat.
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