What did modern chickens descend from?

Modern chickens are believed to have descended from the Red Jungle Fowl, a bird native to Southeast Asia. This connection is supported by genetic studies that show similarities between domestic chickens and the Red Jungle Fowl. The domestication process likely began around 8,000 years ago, and over time, selective breeding resulted in the various breeds of chickens we know today. The Red Jungle Fowl shares many characteristics with modern chickens, including plumage patterns, body size, and behavior. Understanding this relationship is essential for those interested in poultry genetics, breeding practices, and the history of domesticated species.

The other options, while related to the avian family, do not accurately represent the direct lineage of modern chickens. Wild turkeys are a distinct species and have no direct descent relationship with chickens. Archaeopteryx represents an early stage in avian evolution rather than a direct ancestor to any modern birds. American Game Fowl is a breed that developed later in conjunction with domesticated chickens and does not reflect the wider ancestral background of chickens as a whole.