The Domestication and Impact of Pigs

This chapter examines the dual importance of pigs in economic and cultural contexts, tracing their domestication over 8,000 years ago. It discusses the archaeological evidence linking pig domestication to early agricultural practices in China and Mesopotamia, while emphasizing the biological and behavioral changes that reflect this process. The chapter also highlights the ongoing challenges posed by wild boars, illustrating the adaptation of pigs to various environments and their significance in human history.