What are some of the oldest domesticated animals eaten by humans?

Some of the oldest domesticated animals eaten by humans include:

1. Sheep: Sheep were domesticated around 11,000 years ago in the Middle East and are one of the oldest domesticated animals. They were primarily raised for their wool, milk, and meat.
2. Goats: Goats were domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Middle East, and they were primarily raised for their meat, milk, and hides.
3. Cattle: Cattle were domesticated around 10,500 years ago in the Middle East and were primarily used for their milk, meat, and as draft animals.
4. Pigs: Pigs were domesticated around 9,000 years ago in the Near East and were primarily raised for their meat.
5. Chickens: Chickens were domesticated around 8,000 years ago in Southeast Asia and were primarily raised for their eggs and meat.

Other domesticated animals that have been raised for food throughout human history, such as horses, donkeys, camels, dogs, pheasant and water buffalo.

Have pigs evolved since they were domesticated?

Domestic pigs have undergone some changes since their domestication, but their overall anatomy and physiology have remained fairly similar. However, there have been some notable changes in domestic pig breeds over the centuries, which have been driven by selective breeding for specific traits, such as meat quality, growth rate, and disease resistance.

For example, modern commercial pig breeds have been selectively bred to have higher lean meat content and faster growth rates than their wild ancestors. They have also been bred to be more docile and easier to manage, as well as to have a more uniform appearance and size, which is important for efficient meat production.

In contrast, some traditional or heritage pig breeds, which have been selectively bred over centuries for specific cultural and regional purposes, may have distinct morphological and behavioral characteristics compared to their wild ancestors. These breeds often have lower growth rates and higher fat content than commercial pig breeds.

Overall, while domestic pigs have undergone some changes since their domestication, they are still considered the same species as their wild ancestors, the Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa).