domesticated

Domesticated describes any species that has undergone domestication, a long-term process by which humans influence the reproduction and care of a population to enhance traits useful to people. In contrast with taming of individuals, domestication involves genetic changes across a population and typically a dependency on humans for reproduction and survival.

The process arises through selective breeding, controlled breeding, feed, shelter, and protection, often extending over thousands of years. Over time, humans select for traits such as docility, reduced aggression, adaptability to human environments, productivity, and physical changes. These changes can become irreversible, as the domestic population differs genetically from its wild ancestors.

Examples include dogs from wolves, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens, as well as crops such as maize, wheat, rice, and potatoes. Traits associated with domestication syndrome—though not universal—include increased tameness, changes in growth rates, reproductive cycles, and body size, as well as changes in coloration and skull morphology in some species.

Domestication occurred independently in several regions worldwide, beginning in the Neolithic era with agriculture and animal husbandry, and has profoundly shaped human history and ecosystems. Some populations are semi-domesticated or feral and may revert toward wild-type traits if human influence declines.