All articles tagged with #domestication
Experts weigh whether any wild species could be domesticated into the next popular pet; raccoons are highlighted as a potential example, but true domestication is a slow, complex evolution driven by social behavior and interaction with humans, with many urban wildlife species potentially following a commensal path rather than deliberate breeding, and dogs and cats remaining the benchmark.
Researchers discovered 3,000-5,000-year-old wolf remains on a remote Swedish island, revealing complex prehistoric interactions with humans, including possible management or domestication, challenging traditional views of human-wolf relationships.
Humans primarily eat chickens because they are easy to domesticate, farm efficiently, and are more palatable compared to other birds like swans or seagulls. The history of chicken consumption dates back thousands of years, with their popularity boosted by their suitability for domestication and their role in entertainment such as cockfighting.
A Swiss research team used precise gene editing to correct a mutation in the SSP2 gene of domesticated tomatoes, resulting in earlier fruiting, more compact growth, and potential for improved crop scheduling, highlighting how fixing deleterious mutations can enhance crop traits.
The article explores how ancient DNA studies have shed light on the process and timeline of transforming wild horses into domesticated, rideable animals, highlighting their profound impact on human societies.
Llamas and alpacas are both camelids native to the Americas, with llamas being larger, having coarse hair, and used as pack animals, while alpacas are smaller, with fine, silky wool and bred mainly for textiles. They differ in size, appearance, temperament, and historical use, but are often confused due to their similar appearance.
A study from Kyoto University links a genetic variation in the androgen receptor gene to how often domestic cats purr or vocalize, suggesting that domestication and evolution have influenced these behaviors through DNA repeats, with implications for understanding feline communication and evolution.
New research suggests that the 14,000-year-old well-preserved 'Tumat Puppies' found in Siberia were likely wolf pups, not early domesticated dogs, based on genetic and dietary analysis, shedding light on the life of ice age wolves and the complexities of dog domestication.
New research on 14,000-year-old ice age 'puppies' found in Siberia suggests they were not early domesticated dogs but rather wolf pups that lived independently, shedding light on the challenges of tracing dog domestication and the behavior of ancient wolves.
A study of two well-preserved Ice Age puppies from Siberia reveals they were wolves, not early dogs, and they preyed on woolly rhinoceroses, providing insights into ancient wolf populations and challenging assumptions about early domestication markers like fur color.
A Japanese study has identified a gene linked to cat purring, suggesting that domestication may have influenced this trait, and providing insights into the purpose and evolution of purring in cats.
A study by Kyoto University researchers found that genetic variations in the androgen receptor gene influence purring and vocal behaviors in cats, with shorter gene repeats associated with more purring and vocalization, especially in male cats. The research suggests domestication may have shifted gene frequencies, affecting communication styles, and highlights the potential for genetic insights to improve understanding and care of cats, including wild relatives.
A study by Brazilian scientists suggests that the domestication of maize may have been completed in South America, based on ancient maize samples found in Peruaçu Valley, Brazil. These samples, which are the farthest from maize's origin in Mexico, show traits of semi-domestication and are dated between 1,010 and 500 years ago. The research highlights the role of Indigenous communities in the development of maize varieties and has implications for genetic resource conservation and property rights.
Lyudmila Trut, a pioneering Russian geneticist, passed away at 90. She was renowned for her work with Dmitri Belyaev on the domestication of silver foxes, transforming them into dog-like companions through selective breeding for tameness. This groundbreaking experiment, conducted under the guise of fur production during a time when genetics was suppressed in the USSR, demonstrated the genetic basis of domestication and resulted in significant behavioral and physical changes in the foxes. Trut's work is considered one of the most ambitious long-term biological studies.
Lentils, cultivated for at least 10,000 years, played a crucial role in early human societies as a significant source of protein alongside wheat and barley. Genetic research has revealed that today's domesticated lentils are descendants of a single wild species, and efforts are underway to identify genetic traits for resistance to extreme conditions and diseases. With increasing demand for plant-based protein sources due to climate concerns, lentils are gaining renewed attention, leading to a rise in production and exploration of their potential in different regions.