It's been observed that many animals, as they become domesticated, start developing physical traits different from their wild cousins--floppy years, less pronounced snouts, different coloring, and an overall more juvenile appearance. This shows up in dogs and even in foxes that have been bred for domesticity. But scientists have started seeing this showing up with raccoons that, while still wild, live in close proximity to humans.
VIDEO: "Researchers Find Racoons Are Domesticating Themselves"
Gabriel Torch (3 min.)
I wonder if this is what's happening to increase the number of animals coming to humans for help or causing wild animals like wolves to try to interact socially with domestic animals like dogs.
ReplyDeleteProbably. It seems these are epigenetic traits already hard wired into the genes.
DeleteIt's actually a bit more complex than that. It seems to be linked to behaviors and personality, but selective breeding also produces these traits. There are some identified genes. But we know from dingos they don't just revert to wolves like hogs to boars. It is quite a complex system. Hi, creator of that video.
DeleteOh hey that's my content! I have an AI that scrapes the internet for people talking about me. I like to know. ALSO HI!
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