Origin of Modern Domesticated Horses Found

  • Thread starter Thread starter BillTre
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Origin
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the origins of modern domesticated horses, focusing on genomic findings related to ancient horse populations and their domestication processes. Participants explore the transition from horses as food sources to their roles in human culture, as well as the genetic factors influencing domestication.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants discuss genomic analysis revealing a specific area in western Eurasia as the origin of modern horses, with a distinction between two domestication events: DOM1 by the Botai and DOM2 occurring later.
  • It is noted that the earlier horses had different uses compared to modern horses, primarily being herded for food and milk rather than ridden.
  • Participants mention two mutations identified in the genomic analysis that may have contributed to the success of horse domestication, relating to anxiety, aggression, and physical traits.
  • There is speculation about why zebras were not domesticated, with some attributing it to their aggressive nature and inability to handle stress.
  • A participant references a book discussing the transition of horses from meat and dairy animals to riding animals, questioning its relevance to current knowledge.
  • Clarifications are made regarding terminology, specifically the difference between "ware" and "wear." A humorous exchange about the use of "weather" and "where" occurs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the domestication of horses and zebras, with no consensus reached on the implications of the genomic findings or the reasons behind the lack of zebra domestication. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the historical context and the interpretations of ancient cultures.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on specific assumptions about genetic mutations and their effects on behavior and physical traits, which are not universally accepted. The discussion also touches on historical interpretations that may not align with current archaeological findings.

BillTre
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
2,749
Reaction score
12,012
Using genomics on DNA collected from ancient horses that lived between 2,000 and 10,000 years ago, scientists have identified an area in western Eurasian steppe where the predecessors of modern horses came from.
Science mag News article here.
Screen Shot 2021-10-20 at 2.00.04 PM.png


This is the second domestication of horses (DOM2) at about 4,200 years ago. The first domestication (DOM1), by the Botai, occurred further east, at about 5,500 years ago. Although there is evidence of the earlier horses having had bits in their mouths (from teeth ware), these are not the noble steeds of today's cowboys. Genetically, they are closely related to Przewalski's horse, a different species of now endangered wild horses. Its hypothesized that they were mostly herded for food and milk.

Genomic analysis indicates that two mutations might have been useful in their domestication. One is involved in controlling anxiety and aggression and the other maybe involved in having stronger backs.
The DOM1 animals did not have these mutations, and thus did not prosper in domestication.
Along similar lines, one might wonder why zebras were not domesticated, since they undoubtedly have a very long human adjacent history. Zebras have a reputation of being really nasty animals to try to handle. Very aggressive, with a reputation for biting and not letting go.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: BWV, jedishrfu, pinball1970 and 4 others
Biology news on Phys.org
Bottom line, they are Russian which explains why they run so fast as they’re rushin around.
 
May be out of date now, but enjoyed this book and it discussed some of the issues - the transition from horses as dairy / meat animals to riding. The Botai culture were not thought to be PIE (proto-Indoeuropean) speakers, as were the Yamnaya

417UKyEfy3L._SX327_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: BillTre and jedishrfu
Ware is pottery, wear is erosion.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: BillTre
And weather or not where is here, there, everywhere or know where?
 
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: BillTre
I had guessed zebras were not domesticated because they fall apart under stress.
200420-zebra.jpg
 
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: BillTre
When I was a lot younger I had a book entitled something like 'Horses, how they came to be'. I'm sure it's around yet and I'm sure I can find it. If anyone here followed a post of mine from previously in the day you'll find something else I hung onto from my youth. Lol. You'll probably get the idea I don't toss much. Anyway, my point is that I'm wondering if the book from 40 to 45 years ago agrees with what we know today.