What defines domesticated animals?

Domesticated animals are defined as those that have been selectively bred and adapted over generations for specific traits that suit human needs, such as companionship, work, or food production. This process of domestication often involves controlled breeding practices that emphasize desirable characteristics such as size, temperament, and productivity.

In contrast, animals living in the wild are not considered domesticated because they have not undergone the selective breeding processes necessary to adapt to human environments or uses. Endangered species refer to those at risk of extinction, which does not inherently relate to domestication, as they may still exist in wild habitats without any human interaction. Similarly, animals used primarily for biological research may or may not be domesticated; they could be wild species that serve specific research purposes. Therefore, the definition of domesticated animals is accurately captured by those bred specifically for human purposes, making this distinction crucial in the study of the human-animal relationship and agricultural practices.