ORIGEM, EVOLUÇÃO E ASPECTOS COMPORTAMENTAIS DE EQUINOS DOMÉSTICOS

Abstract

The development of horse breeds results from human selection, environmental adaptations, and geographic isolation, shaping their genetic and cultural diversity. Their evolution, dating back to the Eocene, has been marked by anatomical and physiological changes in response to environmental and biogeographic shifts. This study examined the origin, evolution, and behavior of domestic horses, exploring biological, ecological, and historical factors through an integrative literature review. Three databases were searched using the keywords "Horse origin", "Horse evolution", "Horse behaviour", and "Domestic horse" in English and Portuguese. Out of 262,092 references, 72 met the inclusion criteria. Results indicate that the genus Equus became dominant during the Pleistocene, dispersing from North America to Eurasia. Modern horses trace their origins to the genus Eohippus, with key morphological adaptations (hooves and teeth) facilitating domestication. Evolutionary pressures and artificial selection influenced genetic diversity and innate behavior, enhancing socialization and cooperation. The study concludes that the interaction between environmental and human factors shaped horse evolution and behavior, integrating them into activities such as labor, sports, and leisure.