Domestication syndrome

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Unnatural selection, 2 heads, one species

Domestication syndrome refers to a suite of physical and behavioral traits that arise during the process of domestication of animals. These traits are not directly selected for but appear as a byproduct of the selection for tameness and reduced aggression. The concept was first proposed by Charles Darwin in his book The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication.

Characteristics

Domestication syndrome includes a variety of traits, such as:

• Changes in coat color and pattern
• Floppy ears
• Shortened snouts
• Smaller teeth
• Reduced brain size
• Increased docility and tameness
• Prolonged juvenile behavior

These traits are observed in many domesticated species, including dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, and rabbits.

Genetic Basis

The genetic basis of domestication syndrome is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve changes in the neural crest cells. These cells are crucial during embryonic development and contribute to the formation of various tissues, including the adrenal glands, which are involved in the stress response. Selection for tameness may inadvertently affect the development and function of neural crest cells, leading to the observed traits of domestication syndrome.

Examples in Different Species

• Dogs: Domesticated dogs exhibit a wide range of coat colors and patterns, floppy ears, and a generally more docile temperament compared to their wild ancestors, the wolves.
• Cats: Domesticated cats show variations in coat color and pattern, and they tend to be more sociable and less aggressive than wild felids.
• Cattle: Domesticated cattle have shorter snouts, smaller teeth, and are generally more docile than their wild counterparts, the aurochs.
• Pigs: Domesticated pigs exhibit a variety of coat colors and patterns, floppy ears, and a more docile nature compared to wild boars.
• Rabbits: Domesticated rabbits show changes in coat color, ear shape, and a more docile temperament compared to wild European rabbits.

Implications for Evolutionary Biology

The study of domestication syndrome provides insights into the mechanisms of evolution and the role of artificial selection in shaping the traits of domesticated species. It also highlights the interconnectedness of physical and behavioral traits and how selection for one trait can lead to changes in others.

Related Pages

• Domestication
• Artificial selection
• Neural crest
• Charles Darwin
• Evolution
• Tameness

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