I would argue that animal husbandry is a symbiotic relationship rather than simple exploitation. While we gain resources, animals receive guaranteed food, protection from predators, and medical care that they would otherwise lack in the wild. Overall, the life with humans is better for the animals from a survival standpoint. Mind you, I’m only talking about animal husbandry on a smaller scale, not those disgusting meat factories as seen in the image above.
And before you drop the “How can a relationship be symbiotic if the animal has no choice in its dependence?” question that I’ve heard so many times before: Symbiosis is defined by mutual benefit instead of autonomy. Many biological partnerships happen without conscious choice, such as the relationship between fungi and algae in lichens, or ants and the small things they herd (forgot what they are called in english lmao). The lack of choice is offset by a massive increase in survival rates and resource stability compared to life in the wild.
I would argue that animal husbandry is a symbiotic relationship rather than simple exploitation. While we gain resources, animals receive guaranteed food, protection from predators, and medical care that they would otherwise lack in the wild. Overall, the life with humans is better for the animals from a survival standpoint. Mind you, I’m only talking about animal husbandry on a smaller scale, not those disgusting meat factories as seen in the image above.
And before you drop the “How can a relationship be symbiotic if the animal has no choice in its dependence?” question that I’ve heard so many times before: Symbiosis is defined by mutual benefit instead of autonomy. Many biological partnerships happen without conscious choice, such as the relationship between fungi and algae in lichens, or ants and the small things they herd (forgot what they are called in english lmao). The lack of choice is offset by a massive increase in survival rates and resource stability compared to life in the wild.