THEY CAME FROM THE WILD.

The article focuses on the evolution and domestication of common house pets, particularly dogs, cats, and guinea pigs. It explains that dogs originated from wolves that formed mutually beneficial relationships with humans around 11,000 years ago, leading to artificial selection and the development of about 400 breeds today. Cats likely became semi-domesticated around 2,000 years ago by controlling rodent populations near human settlements, remaining more independent and less selectively bred than dogs, with 73 recognized breeds. Guinea pigs, domesticated in South America for food and medicinal purposes, were later introduced to Europe as pets, with some countries like Switzerland recognizing their social needs. The article highlights genetic research showing domestication traits across various species and notes differences in the domestication processes among these animals. [Extracted from the article]