A groundbreaking special issue of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B is redefining how scientists understand the origins of domestication—a core concept in evolutionary biology, archaeology, and the social sciences. Titled “Shifting Paradigms Towards Integrated Perspectives in Domestication Studies,” this issue compiles cutting-edge research that questions long-held assumptions and presents new global case studies.
Rethinking Domestication: A Collaborative Global Effort
This transformative volume was co-edited by Dr. Robert Spengler of the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Jena, Germany. The publication emerged from the 2024 Domesticating Earth conference, held at Ringberg Castle in Bavaria. Co-editors include Dr. Rosalind Gillis, Dr. Marta Dal Corso, and Dr. Hugo Oliveira, all of whom contributed to this interdisciplinary initiative.
Unlike traditional domestication studies that focus on well-known crops and animals such as wheat, sheep, or rice, this issue expands the lens to include lesser-known species across diverse regions and historical timelines. These new insights suggest that domestication may have occurred in multiple, context-specific ways, challenging the idea of a universal model.
The Largest Database of Cereal Grain Measurements Ever Compiled
One key article, led by Dr. Rita Dal Martello from Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, introduces the largest-ever metadata analysis of cereal grain measurements—spanning from the 9th millennium BCE to modern times.
Published under the title “Contrasting Diachronic Regional Trends in Cereal Grain Evolution Across Eurasia”, this study examines the size evolution of grains like wheat, barley, and Chinese millets. The findings show that similar trends, such as grain enlargement, occurred independently in different regions, suggesting parallel domestication pathways influenced by both environmental pressures and cultural practices.
“Our data reveals complex, region-specific trajectories in crop evolution. These trends suggest that domestication wasn’t a one-size-fits-all process,” says Dr. Dal Martello.
What Does “Domestication” Really Mean?
Another pivotal article, “Seeking Consensus on the Domestication Concept,” co-authored by Dr. Spengler and team, addresses a fundamental issue: the absence of a universal definition of domestication. By analyzing existing definitions, the researchers highlight how current frameworks may unintentionally skew scientific interpretation.
Their conclusion? Domestication likely began without deliberate human intent, as a slow, unconscious evolutionary process. This finding calls for a revised definition that better reflects the complex interactions between humans, animals, and plants over time.
“Domestication is the cornerstone of modern civilization,” Spengler explains. “Understanding how it truly happened helps us rethink what it means to be human.”
Real-World Implications: From the Past to the Future
The research also highlights how studying ancient domestication processes can inform modern agricultural practices, especially in the face of climate change and urbanization. For example, wild ancestors like the Tien Shan wild apple are helping scientists better understand genetic traits important for crop resilience and biodiversity.
Similarly, new archaeological discoveries—such as prehistoric barley grains in Mongolia—are helping scientists trace the spread of early farming cultures across Asia.
Why This Matters for Sustainability
As humans continue to influence the evolution of plants and animals, these new perspectives offer valuable lessons. By understanding how domestication happened in the past, we can develop more sustainable agricultural systems for the future.
References & Further Reading
- Dal Martello et al. (2025). Contrasting diachronic regional trends in cereal grain evolution across Eurasia. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2024.0193
- Spengler et al. (2025). Seeking consensus on the domestication concept. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2024.0188
Source: Max Planck Society