The Evolution of Cattle
The Origin of Cattle
Bos primigenius, commonly known as Aurochs, is the common ancestor of all modern domesticated cattle. Aurochs had a historic range across Europe, India, and Africa with populations persisting until about 500 BC. From this time on, Aurochs were hunted excessively which led to suffering populations. By the 1200's, Aurochs experienced a bottleneck effect and could only be found in small, isolated populations in Eastern Europe. The last living Aurochs died in 1627 in Poland and the species is now extinct.
Aurochs Traits
Aurochs were very different from modern domestic cattle in terms of phenotypic characteristics. Aurochs were very large, bulky animals that were fast and aggressive. By being one of the largest herbivores in Europe and forming groups, these animals were able to easily protect themselves from predators. Like modern cattle, Aurochs were grazers who consumed mainly grasses, however, they also foraged in marshes, wetlands, and forests and ate twigs and acorns.
Subspecies
Indian Aurochs
According to fossil remains dating back 2 million years ago, B. p. namadicus was the first subspecies to appear. These populations were common across India, as shown in orange on the map. Indian Aurochs have now completely evolved into domesticated Indicine cattle.
Eurasian Aurochs
B. p. primigenius is the largest and longest living subspecies of Aurochs. The historical geographic location of these populations ranged between Europe, Siberia, and Central Asia, as shown in red on the map. Eurasian Aurochs have now completely evolved into domesticated Taurine cattle.
African Aurochs
B. p. africanus, was the smallest and least significant subspecies of Aurochs. These populations were located in regions of North Africa, as shown in yellow on the map. Although African Aurochs are a genetically distinct population, they descended from Eurasian Aurochs populations.
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