Animals that Changed History

There was a time when humans stopped hunting for food - and started growing it. We have built complex food economies based on farming. Since the domestication of animals, we have bred them not just for their meat, but for their by-products; fish, poultry, milk, honey - all staples around the world. The domestication of animals for food has made our world what it is today.

Humans have relied on animals for shelter and warmth; from wool, to silk, to leather - wearing animals is no longer a necessity, but a fashion statement.

Throughout history, humans have needed some extra muscle to get work done. From growing food, to heavy lifting, to transportation - before modern machinery, we relied on 'beasts of burden'. With technological advances, those days are largely behind us - but civilization would not be as advanced today without the early help of these animals.

If there is one function animals serve that hasn't been forgotten, it's companionship. Animals are our pets, allies, and 'man's best friend'. They are sources of happiness and comfort, and - despite domestication - stand as reminders of our wild roots.

Humans are now largely removed from nature, and there is much we've yet to understand about the creatures we share this Earth with. Germ-ridden, sharp-toothed animals are a fact of nature, and as humans, we must learn to protect ourselves. From advances in medicine, to learning to understand our fellow animals, it is imperative that we don't lose our survival skills.

Like no other species before us, humans have created and developed art, music and science. But our creativity would be stunted, were it not for our fellow animals. They are muses and test subjects. They can bring out the best in us and the worst. But no matter their purpose, one thing is true; animals have helped us to flourish and thrive.