Ancient Dna Reveals 11,000 Years of Intertwined History Between Humans and Sheep
The relationship between humans and sheep dates back over 11,000 years, shaping agriculture, The relationship between humans and sheep dates back over 11,000 years, shaping agriculture, economy, and cultural traditions. A new study, published in Science, traces this long history using ancient DNA extracted from 118 archaeological bone samples spanning from Mongolia to Ireland. The research, led by Trinity College Dublin and LMU Munich, offers insights into the origins, domestication, and migrations of sheep, mirroring patterns of human movement and societal development.
The Origins of Domesticated Sheep
Genetic evidence points to the domestication of sheep from wild mouflon in the western Fertile Crescent, an area covering parts of modern-day Turkey, Iraq, and Syria. The earliest sheep-herding communities, such as Aşıklı Höyük in central Türkiye, exhibit genetic traits that later spread across Eurasia.By 8,000 years ago, early farmers in Europe were already selecting sheep based on coat colour, indicating an early interest in both aesthetic and practical breeding choices. This suggests that early herders were actively shaping their animals’ appearance and genetic traits.
Key Developments in Early Domestication :Initial domestication occurred over 11,000 years ago through wild mouflon captures in the Fertile Crescent. 8,000 years ago, sheep in Europe and Iran had already developed distinct genetic profiles. Selective breeding for coat colour emerged early, reflecting aesthetic and practical farming needs.
Genetic Selection and Early Herding Practices
The study identifies specific genetic markers linked to early selective breeding. One of the key genes found is “KIT”, associated with white coat colour in livestock. This suggests that early herders intentionally bred animals for desirable traits.Additionally, researchers found that European and Iranian sheep populations had already diverged 8,000 years ago, highlighting regional differences in domestication and breeding. However, these distinctions blurred over time due to human migration and trade, as sheep from Eastern populations were introduced to Europe.
Coat colour selection : The KIT gene suggests that early farmers preferred lighter-coloured sheep.
Regional differentiation : By 8,000 years ago, European and Iranian sheep had distinct genetic profiles.
Influence of human migration: The movement of human populations led to mixing of sheep ancestries, particularly during the Bronze Age. Possible early dairy use: Though not confirmed, genetic evidence hints that sheep may have been selected for milk production as early as 5,000 years ago.
The Role of Sheep in Prehistoric Human Migrations
One of the most striking discoveries of the study is the parallel between human and sheep migration. During the Bronze Age, human populations in Europe underwent significant genetic shifts due to migrations from the Eurasian steppes. The study finds that sheep were also transported westward during this period, altering the genetic makeup of European flocks.
This suggests that sheep herding was a driving force behind human expansion, as these animals provided a stable source of food, wool, and dairy products. By the Bronze Age, sheep in Europe had half of their ancestry linked to populations from the Eurasian steppe, reflecting the movement of herding societies across the continent. This aligns with the broader pattern of Indo-European language spread and cultural transformation.
7,000 years ago: Sheep genomes spread westward from Mesopotamia. 5,000 years ago: A major migration from the Eurasian steppes reshaped both human and sheep genetics. Bronze Age (3,000–1,200 BCE): Steppe-related ancestry became dominant in European sheep populations.
Sheep as migration drivers: The ability to herd sheep for meat, milk, and wool may have facilitated long-distance human migration.
However, some key questions remain unanswered:When did sheep become primarily used for wool rather than meat? Did early sheep herders produce cheese, as suggested by early milk selection?
How did the genetic traits of sheep influence human settlement patterns and trade? The Role of Sheep Beyond Genetics :Sheep and textile innovation: The development of wool production was a key economic shift, but the exact timeline remains unclear. Influence on human diets: The transition from meat consumption to dairy farming is still being explored. Parallel domestication patterns: Other livestock, such as cattle and goats, underwent similar selection processes, but direct comparisons are lacking.
Future Research Could Explore :How different environmental conditions influenced sheep breeding.
The role of cultural practices in shaping genetic diversity among livestock. Connections between other domesticated animals and human migrations. When and how sheep became central to the wool industry.
Further genetic evidence for early dairy farming practices.
The ongoing study of ancient genomics promises to reveal more about the deep connections between human civilisation and the animals that have supported its growth.
The Evolving Human-Sheep Relationship
According to Dan Bradley, professor of Population Genetics at Trinity College Dublin, the study illustrates the long-term co-evolution of sheep and humans. From early domestication to the development of wool-based textiles, sheep have played a crucial role in economic and cultural evolution.However, some key questions remain unanswered:When did sheep become primarily used for wool rather than meat? Did early sheep herders produce cheese, as suggested by early milk selection?
How did the genetic traits of sheep influence human settlement patterns and trade? The Role of Sheep Beyond Genetics :Sheep and textile innovation: The development of wool production was a key economic shift, but the exact timeline remains unclear. Influence on human diets: The transition from meat consumption to dairy farming is still being explored. Parallel domestication patterns: Other livestock, such as cattle and goats, underwent similar selection processes, but direct comparisons are lacking.
Future Research and Implications
This study highlights the importance of ancient DNA in uncovering prehistoric human-animal interactions. The findings provide a clearer picture of how early humans shaped their environment and were, in turn, influenced by their domesticated animals.Future Research Could Explore :How different environmental conditions influenced sheep breeding.
The role of cultural practices in shaping genetic diversity among livestock. Connections between other domesticated animals and human migrations. When and how sheep became central to the wool industry.
Further genetic evidence for early dairy farming practices.
The ongoing study of ancient genomics promises to reveal more about the deep connections between human civilisation and the animals that have supported its growth.
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