Origin of Modern Domesticated Horses Found

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Genomic analysis of ancient horse DNA has pinpointed the western Eurasian steppe as the origin of modern domesticated horses, with two key domestication events identified: the first by the Botai culture around 5,500 years ago and a second domestication around 4,200 years ago. The earlier horses, while having evidence of bit use, were not the same as today's horses and were closely related to the endangered Przewalski's horse, primarily used for food and milk. Two genetic mutations linked to reduced anxiety and aggression, as well as stronger backs, may have facilitated the successful domestication of these later horses, which the earlier Botai horses lacked. The discussion also touches on why zebras, despite their proximity to humans, were never domesticated due to their aggressive nature. Overall, the findings highlight the complex history and evolution of horse domestication.
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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.
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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.
 
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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
 
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Ware is pottery, wear is erosion.
 
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And weather or not where is here, there, everywhere or know where?
 
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I had guessed zebras were not domesticated because they fall apart under stress.
200420-zebra.jpg
 
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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.
 

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