Animals and human survival

Animals and human survival - From the bumble bee that pollinates our food crops to the worms that till the soil and the chickens that feed us, animals are essential to human survival.

On Dogs - I have to mention dogs briefly in relation to survival and human well-being. One should always have at least one dog living within the home. As far as domestication, no other animal can compare. A large dog raised as a loving and loyal family member can save your life. There are numerous stories and legends of the intelligence, bravery, loyalty and self sacrifice of these animals. Few other beings care more about your security and well being than a loved dog. In the book 'The Truth About Self Protection' Massad Ayoob distinguishes differences between "Watchdogs", "Attack dogs", "Protection Dogs", and "Guard Dogs." But simply having an animal with better hearing and acute alertness can mean the difference between a victim and safety. A large dog can provide direct and immediate physical protection. A large or small dog at the very least can act as an adequate and tireless alarm system. A simply and reliable system that can deter burglary or assault simply through barking. Few homes with a large dog are ever burglarized. In the book "Secrets of a Superthief" John MacLean reports that of 300 prison inmates interviewed 65% said they are scared away by dogs. But studies suggest that some 90% of apprehended burglars choose houses without dogs. Whatever the breed, basic training is essential. The overall costs of keeping a dog is nothing compared to the benefits. Many studies have shown that merely having a dog can extend lifespan and increase mental health.
 
   One should always have at least a months worth of dog food stored. If the dire situations arise you do not need to be forced into sharing your own food reserves with a dog. And if worst comes you too can survive on your dogs foods, and you may even, as sad as it may seem, eat your dog.  But a living healthy dog is better than no dog.

Bees - Bees are by far the single most important animals on earth for human survival. Nearly all food crops are angiosperms meaning they produce flowers, and nearly all require insect pollination to produce seed and fruit. While there are many animals that act as pollinators for crops none are as important as the bee. In addition to pollinating our food crops bees provide an abundance of resources that are otherwise very rare and difficult to acquire. While Honey is not made exclusively by bees (there are other insects that produce honey) it is their most desirable product. Honey is a complex mixture of fructose, sucrose, maltose, vitamins, enzymes, minerals, pollen, ash, dust, and inert microorganisms. Beeswax is another major and important product of the bee. Produced by glands on the inside of the body, beeswax is composed of long-chained alcohols and fatty acid esters.

Worms - worms are probably the most abundant animals on earth. From ice nematodes to the giant tube worms of the deep ocean, they live in almost all possible environments. My main focus is on the earth worm (lumbricus terrestris). These worms are amazing in their ability to digest organic materials to generate soil. They possess enzymes and microflora that allow them to digest the most diverse array of organic material possible. Earth worms can digest complex proteins cellulose sugars...

Below is a list of animals that I plan to write on as extensions to this entry.

Insects (general beneficial) -
Insects (general pest) -

Horses -
Llamas and Alpacas -

Pigs and boars -
Sheep and Goats -
Fish and other aquatic animals (shrimp, crabs...)-
Rabbits -
Chickens -
Quail -
Ducks and Geese-
Deer and Elk-