Which domesticated animal originated in Africa during the Neolithic period?

The domesticated animal that originated in Africa during the Neolithic period is the jackal, specifically the African wildcat, which is a close relative to domestic cats and part of the larger category of canids, including jackals. While domestication of many animals did take place around the world during the Neolithic period, the specific domestication processes and timelines can vary significantly by region and species.

Focusing on the relationship of jackals in the context of domestication, it’s essential to note that while dogs are derived from wolves and through the evolutionary pathway include interactions with jackals, the term jackal in this context highlights the diversity of canine domestication in various regions, including Africa.

The other animals listed, such as horses, cows, and pigs, have their roots primarily in other areas. Horses were domesticated in the steppes of Central Asia, cows have their origins in the Near East and South Asia, and pigs were domesticated in various regions including Southeast Asia and the Near East. Understanding the regionality of animal domestication is crucial in anthropology, as it reflects both the environmental contexts and the cultural practices of ancient human societies.