Meaning: The quote by Jared Diamond addresses the process of domestication of animals and the lack of valuable additions of domestic animals in recent times. Diamond, an American scientist and author, is known for his work in the fields of geography, ecology, and evolutionary biology, and his quote raises important questions about the history and future of human-animal relationships.

Thousands of years ago, humans began the process of domesticating large wild mammal species, selecting and breeding animals based on specific criteria such as ease of handling, ability to thrive in captivity, and usefulness to humans. This process led to the domestication of species such as cattle, horses, sheep, and pigs, which have played crucial roles in human societies as sources of food, labor, and transportation. Diamond's statement emphasizes the thoroughness of this historical process, suggesting that humans successfully domesticated all large wild mammal species that were capable of meeting the criteria for domestication.

The quote also points out that despite the advancements of modern science, there have been no valuable additions of domestic animals in recent times. This observation raises questions about the reasons behind the lack of new domesticated species and the potential implications for human societies and ecosystems. One possible explanation for this phenomenon is that the domestication of large mammal species may have already reached a point of saturation, with humans having successfully identified and domesticated all species that met the necessary criteria. Another consideration is the changing relationship between humans and animals, with technological advancements and shifts in agricultural practices potentially reducing the need for new domesticated species.

From an ecological perspective, the lack of valuable additions of domestic animals in recent times may also reflect broader changes in ecosystems and human interactions with wildlife. As human activities continue to impact natural habitats and wildlife populations, the opportunities for identifying and domesticating new species may be limited. Additionally, concerns about biodiversity loss and the conservation of wild species may influence the prioritization of domestication efforts, with a greater emphasis on preserving existing ecosystems and species diversity.

Diamond's quote prompts consideration of the role of modern science in the domestication of animals. While scientific advancements have undoubtedly transformed many aspects of agriculture and animal husbandry, the quote suggests that these developments have not led to the addition of valuable new domestic animals. This raises questions about the factors that contribute to the domestication of animals and the potential limitations of scientific intervention in this process. It also invites reflection on the broader implications of human-animal relationships, including ethical considerations related to the domestication and use of animals for human purposes.

In conclusion, Jared Diamond's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the history and future of animal domestication. It highlights the thoroughness of historical domestication processes and raises important questions about the lack of valuable additions of domestic animals in recent times. By prompting consideration of ecological, scientific, and ethical dimensions of human-animal relationships, the quote encourages further exploration of the complex dynamics shaping the domestication of animals and its implications for human societies and ecosystems.