Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

Archaeological evidence from the Middle East indicates domestication of the pig occurred approximately how many years ago?

1. 4000

2. 7000

3. 9000

4. 11000

The correct answer is: 9000

The domestication of the pig in the Middle East is believed to have occurred around 9,000 years ago, making the choice of 9,000 the most accurate answer. This period places the domestication of pigs within the Neolithic timeline, when human societies were transitioning from nomadic lifestyles to settled agricultural communities. Archaeological sites have unearthed signs of pig domestication, such as bones and remnants of pig husbandry, supporting the timeline of domestication around 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. This timeline is significant because it illustrates the relationship between early agricultural practices and animal husbandry, showcasing how the domestication of animals like pigs played a crucial role in the development of farming communities. As societies became more sedentary, they began to selectively breed pigs for desirable traits, which contributed to the domestication process. The other timeframes presented do not align with the most widely accepted archaeological findings regarding pig domestication in the region when considering evidence from various sites across the Middle East. The domestication occurred well before those later milestones in the historical timeline.