Tracing the domestication dynamics of Sus scrofa populations during the liangzhu culture periods: Insights from molar morphology analysis

Abstract

This paper investigates the domestication dynamics of Sus scrofa populations during the middle and late Liangzhu culture periods through an analysis of molar morphology. Utilizing archaeological data from sites such as Bianjiashan and Meirendi, we examine patterns in molar size and shape among wild boars and domestic pigs. Our findings reveal significant differences in M2 size between wild boars from Northern and Southern China, modern domestic pigs, and archaeological specimens from the Liangzhu culture periods. Notably, M2s from the middle and late Liangzhu periods consistently exhibit smaller sizes akin to domestic pigs, suggesting probable domestication practices. Furthermore, geometric morphometric analysis underscores distinct molar shapes between domestic pigs and wild boars, with intermediate shapes observed in Sus scrofa populations from Bianjiashan and Meirendi. We discuss potential reasons for discrepancies in the domestication process within Liangzhu culture contexts, including the possibility of imported Sus scrofa remains and intentional hybridization with wild boars. Overall, our study contributes to understanding human-animal interactions, domestication strategies, and regional variations in prehistoric Sus scrofa populations during the Liangzhu culture periods.