When did humans begin domesticating animals, even before the beginning of agriculture?a)5,000 BCb)13,000 BCc)10,000 BCd)8,000 BC

Analyzing the Question

The question asks about the time period when humans began domesticating animals, particularly focusing on the era before the advent of agriculture.

Relevant Historical Context

1. Domestication of Animals: This process usually began with the hunting and gathering societies who started to selectively breed certain species for traits beneficial to humans.
2. Before Agriculture: Evidence suggests that animal domestication occurred in a period when humans were primarily foragers.

Historical Evidence

Archaeological findings indicate that animal domestication began around 13,000 BC with species such as dogs being some of the earliest animals to be domesticated, followed by other animals like sheep and cattle.

Final Answer

The correct answer is b) 13,000 BC, as this time frame represents when humans started domesticating animals prior to the establishment of agriculture.