Over the course of history, human diet has undergone dramatic changes. Among them, animal domestication in the Neolithic Age was undoubtedly an important turning point. From hunting and gathering to the rise of agricultural society, this revolution not only changed our eating habits, but also profoundly affected the way society operates.
"Animal domestication not only allows humans to obtain a stable source of protein, but also promotes social division of labor and economic development."
In the Neolithic Age, about 11,000 years ago, humans began to explore the technology of animal domestication. This process was not limited to the supply of meat, but also included the acquisition of milk, leather and other resources. Due to the unpredictability of hunting, domesticated livestock provided a more stable source of food, allowing societies to be established.
The domestication of animals has opened up the systematization of meat production. Through selective breeding, farmers can produce meat that better meets market demand. This production model is still progressing today, and modern agricultural technologies such as genetic engineering have further improved the growth rate and meat quality of livestock.
"As the world's demand for meat increases, intensive livestock production has become a global trend."
However, increased meat consumption has also brought about many health and environmental problems.
For the above reasons, more and more people are choosing a vegetarian or vegan diet. Motivations behind these choices include ethical considerations, environmental impacts, health concerns and religious beliefs. Yet meat still plays an important role in the global economy and culture.
"The choice of food is not only a personal decision, but also a reflection of social values and culture."
As technology advances, meat production may become more sustainable in the future. The emergence of plant-based meat substitutes and cell-cultured meat provides us with new choices. In this context, people will be faced with the opportunity to rethink their eating habits.
Animal domestication has indeed changed human diet and social structure, but as problems emerge, we need to constantly adjust our dietary concepts. In a rapidly changing world, will the future diet be more in line with the direction of sustainable development? Is it worth pondering?