Needs for a conceptual bridge between biological domestication and early food globalization

Area of Science:

• Archaeobotany and Archaezoology
• Genetics and Evolutionary Biology
• Agricultural History

Background:

• Significant advancements in documenting plant and animal domestication over the last 15 years.
• Growing understanding of the extensive geographical dispersals of domesticated species across continents.
• Current research often treats domestication processes and species dispersal as separate theoretical frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a conceptual link between the protracted, millennia-long process of domestication and its widespread, multiregional dispersal.
• To re-evaluate the conceptualization of domestication, moving beyond viewing it as a singular episode.
• To integrate the study of crop domestication with crop movement to better understand their complex, continuous outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence on crop domestication.
• Analysis of data concerning the historical movement and dispersal of domesticated crops.
• Synthesis of findings from both domestication studies and dispersal research.

Main Results:

• The paper highlights the need for a unified conceptual framework for domestication and dispersal.
• Evidence suggests domestication should be viewed as an ongoing, complex process rather than a discrete event.
• Integrating crop domestication and movement reveals a more nuanced understanding of agricultural history.

Conclusions:

• A conceptual bridge is needed to connect the long-term domestication process with global crop dispersal.
• Viewing domestication as a continuous process, incorporating movement, provides a clearer perspective.
• This integrated approach enhances our understanding of the evolution and spread of agriculture.