Bos

Bos is a genus of large bovids in the subfamily Bovinae. It includes the domesticated cattle species Bos taurus (taurine cattle) and Bos indicus (zebu), as well as several wild forms traditionally placed within the same genus, such as the aurochs Bos primigenius (extinct), gaur Bos gaurus, banteng Bos javanicus, yak Bos grunniens (with wild forms sometimes treated as Bos mutus), gayal or mithun Bos frontalis, and the kouprey Bos sauveli (a disputed or possibly extinct form). Taxonomic arrangements vary, with some authorities recognizing additional subspecies or slightly different classifications.

Domestication and evolution: Two major domestication events gave rise to modern cattle. Taurine cattle were domesticated in the Near East during the Holocene transition, roughly 8,000–10,000 BCE, while indicine cattle were domesticated in the Indian subcontinent around 6,000–4,000 BCE. Over millennia, selective breeding produced cattle adapted to milk, meat, work, and other roles, making them one of the most widespread and economically important domestic animals.

Characteristics and habitat: Members of Bos are ruminant ungulates with variable horn patterns and sizes. They occupy a range of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, forests, and agricultural landscapes across temperate and tropical regions. Wild relatives typically inhabit Asia and adjacent regions, while domestic cattle are found worldwide.

Significance: Domestic cattle are central to global agriculture, providing meat, milk, leather, draft power, and other products. The genus also encompasses several wild species that, in various regions, play roles in local ecosystems and cultures.

Etymology: The name Bos derives from Latin, meaning “cow” or “bull.”