-
(#10) Cormorant Birds Help Fisherman Catch Fish
Cormorant fishing is a traditional practice in Japan and China, where owners train birds to fish in rivers and streams. In order to catch fish, fishermen tie a snare at the base of the bird's throat which prevents them from swallowing larger catches. These birds are trained to return to their boats after they catch a fish. When they return, they're made to spit up their catch.
Cormorants are super smart and are said to keep a tally of what they catch (they allegedly can count up to seven). If they're not rewarded for their efforts, they simply stop fishing. At least these little guys get some form of payment for their hard work, even if they've got to demand it.
-
(#5) Humans Thrived Because They Had Dogs To Help Them With Chores
There's a reason modern-day humans thrived and Neanderthals did not. While a number of factors cotributed to their detriment – like environmental changes and technological advancements – some suggest that humans' utilization of canines helped them outlive their less-skilled counterparts. Anthropologist Pat Shipman believes the domestication of dogs is the root of human survival. In exchange for shelter, food and a few furry cuddles, humans tricked Paleolithic dogs (gigantic pups who weighed a minimum of 70 lbs) to transport animal carcasses during hunting. Without having to shoulder the weight of carrying a bunch of heavy animal carcasses, humans could spend more time hunting, gathering, and getting down (i.e. procreating for our species' future success).
-
(#11) Canaries Let Miners Know There's A Problem
Dating back to 1911, canaries have been used in coal mines to detect carbon monoxide before it has a chance to hurt humans. Canaries were beloved in the mines they worked in, and treated like pets among the many miners. Even so, the birds were released into the mines, and if they stopped singing, miners knew there was a porblem. Canaries are particularly vulnerable to airborne poisons, so when a canary died, it was a warning for miners to get out as fast as they could before they started feeling the effects of toxic gas. The rather inhumane practice ended in 1986, when canaries were replaced with electric CO2 detectors.
-
(#2) Ants Stitched Up Open Wounds
Back before people went to doctors to stitch up gnarly wounds, ancient tribes in East Africa and South America used living ants as sutures. Dorylus or Eciton ants were commonly tricked into stitching up warriors because of their sharp, unyielding bite. To trick an ant into becoming your Band-Aid, all you've got to do is hold together your wound, get it to bite you, and then snap off the rest of the body once it's attached. The only drawback is that ants aren't sterile, so you better watch that incoming infection.
-
(#1) Cats Keep Bodegas Pest Free
Do you know how much an exterminator costs in a major city? One things for sure – a cat is a whole lot cheaper despite the health code violation. While cats are domesticated, they still have a natural urge to hunt, which makes them great for stores. They love being around people because we feed them, and in exchange, we sometimes get their love. Bodega owners in cities across America have long adopted cats in order to eradicate mice and other small vermin from their shops. Little do they know they're basically employees of the bodegas themselves.
-
(#7) Elephants Were Drafted Into Armies
Okay, so they weren't actually drafted, but they certainly participated. In India, China and Persia, elephants were tricked into being literal agents of war. These unwitting soldiers were first used by Alexander the Great when warring against King Porus in 326 BCE. The reason elephnts were so easily tricked into slaughtering opposing sides is because male elephants are hyper-aggressive, especially around mating season. Provoke them and they will trample you with their sheer size. Elephants are also fiercely protective. Once an elephant forms such a strong bond with their trainer, they'll charge at great speeds to protect them.
New Random Displays Display All By Ranking
About This Tool
Humans and animals have a history of getting along for more than 6 million years. When ancient people faced other animals that living on earth, they mainly relied on hunting and fishing to obtain them as food. In the long-term process of evolution, people learned how to tame and raise animals, which fundamentally changed the coexistence relationship between humans and certain animals.
With the advancement of history, the importance of many animals to humans is constantly changing. Here the random tool introduced 11 great animals that are helpful throughout history, including horses, dogs, elephants, pigeons, etc.
Our data comes from Ranker, If you want to participate in the ranking of items displayed on this page, please click here.