What is the ancestral species from which domestic cattle, including the Welsh Black, are widely considered to have been derived?
Answer
The wild Aurochs (Bos primigenius)
The Welsh Black's species designation, Bos taurus, confirms its membership within the domestic cattle group that originated from a specific wild ancestor. This ancestor is identified as the wild Aurochs, whose scientific designation is Bos primigenius. The process of domestication led to the development of modern domestic breeds from these ancient wild populations. Understanding this lineage is important because it highlights that while the Welsh Black is grouped with all modern cattle under Bos taurus, it retains a deep heritage tracing back to this extinct wild species, distinct from other extant wild bovines like the Gaur (Bos gaurus).
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