Chinese scholars relate that ancient Chinese communities suffered from low productivity and technology. These communities relied on the help of animals, and so they naturally revered animals and began to worship them. They created the twelve animal signs of the Chinese zodiac, called the sheng xiao. These animals are, in order, the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the ram, the monkey, the rooster, the dog, and the pig. The animals do not correspond to any astrological signs in the sky; however, they are used to divide and record time.
The twelve selected animals had important parts in the lives of the ancient Chinese. The first category of animals included tamed and domesticated livestock, such as the ox, ram, horse, pig, dog, and rooster. To the ancient Chinese, these six animals symbolized a large family. They gave good luck and well-being. The second group included wild animals that the ancient Chinese respected and feared, such as the tiger, snake, rabbit, monkey, and rat. Of these animals, the tiger was most respected for its cunning and power. The snake was viewed as wise. The rabbit was likable, and the monkey was playful. The rat was considered to be the trickster. Finally, the dragon was in a category entirely by itself as a mythical beast. The ancient Chinese accounted the dragon as the wealthiest and wisest of all. Because of this, the dragon was the most revered of all other animals.

Which of the following is the best summary of this article?
A. Some Chinese scholars say ancient communities had low productivity.
B. The Chinese calendar uses a cycle of twelve animal signs.
C. The ancient Chinese had a close relationship with animals.
D. Chinese animals can be classified in three categories