What animal from prehistoric times did the chicken evolve from?

The chicken evolved from the red junglefowl, a species of wild bird native to Southeast Asia.

While the red junglefowl is the chicken's direct ancestor, it's important to understand that evolution is a complex process. Chickens have been selectively bred for thousands of years, resulting in the domesticated chickens we know today. This means that modern chickens are quite different from their wild ancestors in terms of size, appearance, and behavior.

Here are some interesting points about the chicken's evolutionary history:

* Domestication: Chickens were domesticated in Southeast Asia around 8,000 years ago.

* Genetic Evidence: DNA analysis has confirmed the red junglefowl as the closest living relative to the domestic chicken.

* Hybrids: Red junglefowl and domestic chickens can still interbreed, further proving their close relationship.

So, while the chicken is descended from the red junglefowl, it's important to remember that modern chickens are a result of a long process of selective breeding, making them quite different from their wild ancestors.