Domestication

Paleolithic dog

The first Paleolithic dog was identified from Goyet Cave in Belgium (a). At 32,000 years old (uncalibrated), this specimen is much older than most scientists expected to find for domesticated dogs.

Burial site of elderly woman

This burial site is among the oldest archeological evidence we have of the deep and enduring bond between humans and dogs. From a 12,000-year-old Natufian settlement in what is now Israel, this burial site is that of an elderly woman buried in a fetal position, cradling a puppy in the left hand.

Animal Domestication

That process by which a population of animals becomes adapted to humans and to the captive environment by some combination of genetic changes occurring over generations and environmentally induced developmental events recurring during each generation.

Domestication

A process whereby populations of animals change genetically and phenotypically (behavioral & physiological) driven by selection pressure based on human-desired traits.

Selection pressure

An evolutionary process driven by selection pressures (natural, artificial, unintentional).

Early domestications

Economic and religious purposes- food, clothing labor and religious sacrifice.

Biological approach

Daily behavior of early humans: close associations with animals, e.g. dogs or herbivores attracted to planted fields.

Advancement of hunting technique

From stalking, ambushing to driving animals into corrals led to capture of more than could be eaten before meat would spoil, thus meat could be stored live.

Crops brought to animals

Crops brought to animals in corrals.

Pre-adaptations

Characteristics such as docility, generalist feeder, social, promiscuous or polygamous mating system, non-territorial, and ecologically flexible.

Fitness

To evaluate fitness, you need to know: Did animal survive? Locates food, shelter, avoids predation; How many offspring did animal have? Locates mates, reproduce, care for young.

High fitness

Animals with high fitness pass on more genetic material to next generation.

Forces of evolution

Includes selection (natural), random drift, mutation, and gene flow between populations.

Five stages of domestication

1. Loose ties between humans and animals, interbreeding with wild forms was common, and animals closely resembled wild forms. 2. Humans control the breeding and prevent interbreeding with wild forms; Selection for small size, small weapons and docility, reduced fear of humans and tolerance of confinement. 3. Limited interbreeding of wild forms to increase size for greater meat production but limited behavioral 'regression' to the wild form. 4. Selection for desired traits intensified and breeds were developed. 5. Wild ancestors hunted to near extinction to 'protect' the artificially selected genetic stock.

Sixth stage of domestication

Relaxation of natural selection is more pronounced with modern intensive agricultural practices.

Maternal behaviors

Behaviors related to caring for offspring.

Predator avoidance behaviors

Behaviors that help animals avoid predators.

Losses in fitness

Decreased ability to survive and reproduce, often offset by management practices.

Cognitive mechanisms

Mental processes that influence behavior and response to the environment.

Neoteny

Retention of juvenile features in the adult form.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population.

Artificial Selection

Selective breeding for specific traits in animals.

Feralization

Process where domesticated animals revert to a wild state.

Domesticated vs. Tame

Domesticated refers to permanent genetic changes; tame refers to individual behavioral conditioning.

Economic reasons for domestication

Includes income, financial assets, and social value.

Favorable characteristics for domestication

Traits that facilitate the domestication process.

Unfavorable characteristics for domestication

Traits that hinder the domestication process.

Group Structure

The social organization of animals, affecting domestication.

Sexual Behavior

Patterns of mating that can influence domestication.

Parent-Young Interactions

Interactions that establish bonds between parents and offspring.

Responses to Humans

Behavioral reactions of animals in the presence of humans.

Other Behavioral Characteristics

Various traits that affect an animal's adaptability and domestication.

Critical period in development

A specific time when bonding occurs, such as imprinting.

Precocial young

Young that are relatively mature and mobile from birth.

Altricial young

Young that are born in a helpless state and require care.

Short flight distance

The distance an animal will flee when approached by a human.

Extreme wariness

High level of caution and avoidance of humans.

Omnivorous

Organisms that consume a variety of foods, including plants and animals.

Specialized dietary habits

Dietary requirements that are limited to specific food types.