Species Domestication Timeline

This document outlines when and how various species were domesticated throughout cassowary civilization's development, connecting their evolutionary advantages to specific cultural needs. For a complete chronology of cassowary development, see the Timeline.

Related Documents

• Domesticated Species - Detailed biological profiles of each domesticated species
• The Diprotodon Powered Transport System - Further details on diprotodon applications
• The Fire Revolution - How fire management influenced domestication patterns

Foundation Domestication (Pre-Historical Period)

Ravens (Corvus coronoides)

• Time of Domestication: ~200,000 BCE
• Key Innovation: Training for hunting assistance and guarding
• Cultural Impact: Established model for inter-species partnerships
• Historical Significance: The domestication of ravens far predates all other species, occurring during the Age of Expansion. This early companionship helped establish the fundamental patterns for later domestication efforts.
• For full details: See Domesticated Species - Ravens

Early Phase Domestication (~90,000 - 88,000 BCE)

Insects and Arthropods

Witchetty Grubs (Endoxyla leucomochla)

• Time of Domestication: ~89,500 BCE
• Key Innovation: Creation of artificial host environments using decaying wood
• Cultural Impact: First reliable year-round protein source supporting larger population densities
• For full details: See Domesticated Species - Witchetty Grubs

Honey Pot Ants (Camponotus inflatus)

• Time of Domestication: ~89,200 BCE
• Key Innovation: Development of portable colonies in clay pots or hollow gourds
• Cultural Impact: Reliable sweetener source before fruit domestication
• For full details: See Domesticated Species - Honey Pot Ants

Mid-Phase Domestication (~88,000 - 85,000 BCE)

Bird Species

Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita)

• Time of Domestication: ~86,000 BCE
• Key Innovation: Vocal training for message delivery
• Cultural Impact: Revolutionized long-distance communication
• For full details: See Domesticated Species - Cockatoos

Late Phase Domestication (~85,000 - 82,000 BCE)

Mammals

Diprotodons (Diprotodon optatum)

• Time of Domestication: ~84,500 BCE
• Key Innovation: Juvenile imprinting and specialized harness systems
• Cultural Impact: Transformed transportation and industrial capabilities
• For full details: See Domesticated Species - Diprotodons and The Diprotodon Powered Transport System

Wallabies (Macropus agilis)

• Time of Domestication: ~84,000 BCE
• Key Innovation: Habitat management for semi-domestication
• Cultural Impact: Reliable meat source for expanding territories
• For full details: See section on Wallabies in the Domesticated Species document

Special Case: Aquatic Species

Eels (Anguilla australis)

• Time of Domestication: ~85,000 BCE
• Key Innovation: Artificial channels and holding ponds
• Cultural Impact: Enabled high-density wetland settlements
• For full details: See Domesticated Species - Eels

Domestication Methods and Scientific Basis

Key Domestication Strategies

1. Habitat Manipulation

   • Creating artificial environments that favored desired species
   • More common with insects and aquatic species

2. Selective Association

   • Rewarding cooperative individuals with food and protection
   • Primary method for intelligent species like ravens and cockatoos

3. Juvenile Imprinting

   • Raising young animals to accept cassowaries as social partners
   • Essential for mammals like diprotodons

4. Selective Breeding

   • Initially unintentional through preferential treatment of desirable individuals
   • Later became systematic with breeding programs

Biological Requirements for Domestication

Species successfully domesticated by cassowaries typically demonstrated:

1. Tolerance for close proximity to others
2. Flexible diet that could be provided in captivity
3. Reproductive capability in managed settings
4. Useful traits that could be enhanced through selection
5. Manageable size and temperament

Cultural Integration and Spiritual Significance

As species became domesticated, they were integrated into cassowary culture through:

1. Religious Symbolism

   • Ravens became associated with loyalty and protection
   • Diprotodons symbolized strength and endurance

2. Social Hierarchies

   • Ownership of domesticated species indicated wealth and status
   • Specialized breeders gained elevated social positions

3. Technological Advancement

   • Each newly domesticated species enabled new technologies
   • Combined use of multiple domesticated species created complex systems (e.g., raven-assisted hunting and herding)

4. Artistic Expression

   • Domesticated species featured prominently in artwork and decoration
   • Their behaviors inspired dance, music, and storytelling

Historical Context

The rapid domestication of multiple species within this 10,000-year window (90,000-80,000 BCE) represents an extraordinary period of cassowary innovation and cultural development. This accelerated domestication timeline was made possible by:

1. Pre-existing Tool Use: Cassowaries already possessed sophisticated manipulation capabilities.
2. Fire Management: Controlled fire use enhanced cognitive development and settlement permanence.
3. Climate Stability: The warm climate period with high biodiversity offered ideal conditions for animal management.
4. Social Organization: Specialized roles within cassowary society enabled focused domestication efforts.
5. Knowledge Transfer: Advanced communication systems allowed innovations to spread rapidly between settlements.

Conclusion

The domestication of various species within this compressed timeframe provided the foundation for cassowary civilization's advancement from simple tool-users to a complex industrial society. Each domesticated species contributed unique capabilities that, when combined with cassowary intelligence and tool use, enabled technological and cultural developments that would have been impossible through cassowary evolution alone.