Animal resources

Abstract

Directly or indirectly, people depend on the animals for different reasons. Throughout history, humans have been using animal-derived products especially for food and also for clothing, tools, and medicinal and magic-religious purposes. Live animals are main attractions in zoos, safaris, and oceanariums. They are also crucial in scientifi c research and in military, agricultural, sporting, and crime- and drug-fi ghting activities. Additionally, fauna serves as the inspiration for myths, legends, and tales in various societies. This chapter provides a brief review on the main forms of interactions between humans and other animals and its biological, socioeconomic, and cultural implications.