Final answer:
Domestication is the process of selectively breeding plants and animals by humans to suit their needs and preferences. It has been crucial in the development of agriculture and the establishment of settled societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Domestication is the process in which plants or animals are selectively bred by humans for specific traits and characteristics. It involves the taming and controlling of wild plants and animals to suit human needs and preferences. This process has been instrumental in the development of agriculture and the establishment of settled societies.
For example, in the case of animal domestication, humans selected and bred animals that displayed desired traits such as docility and cooperation. This led to the development of animals that were more suitable for human interaction and use, such as dogs that are loyal companions or cows that provide milk and meat.
In the case of plant domestication, humans selectively planted seeds of desirable plants and over generations, these plants underwent changes to become bigger, tastier, more nutritious, and easier to grow. This allowed for the establishment of permanent gardens and the growth of larger human populations.