The correct option is (c) Both 1 and 2.
Explanation
The domestication of animals marks a significant transition in human history, originating in the late Mesolithic period and becoming a defining characteristic of the Neolithic revolution. This shift allowed early humans to move from a purely hunting-gathering lifestyle to one involving herding and settled agriculture.- Statement 1 is Correct: The dog was the first animal to be domesticated. Archaeological evidence suggests that the wild ancestor of the dog was tamed during the Mesolithic period. Dogs were primarily used for hunting assistance and guarding settlements before the domestication of food-producing animals began.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Sheep and goats were among the earliest animals to be domesticated after the dog. Their domestication occurred during the transition to the Neolithic period, primarily for the purpose of securing a steady supply of meat, milk, and wool.
Key Takeaway: The chronological sequence of domestication begins with the dog (Mesolithic), followed by livestock such as sheep and goats (early Neolithic).