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Ancient Sheep Domestication: A Journey Through History

2/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sheep, domesticated over 11,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, have a rich history rooted in their wild mouflon ancestors from Türkiye. Recent genomic studies unveil early selective breeding for traits like coat color and highlight their migrations with humans, profoundly influencing cultures and economies while shaping the agricultural landscape throughout history.

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Story summary

Sheep, domesticated over 11,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, have a rich history rooted in their wild mouflon ancestors from Türkiye. Recent genomic studies unveil early selective breeding for traits like coat color and highlight their migrations with humans, profoundly influencing cultures and economies while shaping the agricultural landscape throughout history.