Origin of domestication

Domestication

Selective breeding of animals in captivity, resulting in modification from wild ancestors for human use.

Name 3 primary uses of domesticated animals.

Food, transportation, and materials (e.g., leather, wool).

What animal is Ovis aries derived from and what was it used for?

From Asiatic Mouflon sheep; used for wool, meat, and milk.

What is the origin of domestic goats (Capra aegagrus)?

From the Bezoar goat.

What extinct ancestor did domestic cows (Bos primigenius) evolve from?

Aurochs.

What were pigs (Sus scrofa) originally domesticated for?

Meat, tools from bones, bristles for brushes, and even medical uses today (e.g., insulin).

What was the ancestor of domesticated horses?

Przewalski’s horse.

What are 6 key traits that make an animal suitable for domestication?

• Not picky eaters

• Quick to mature

• Willing to breed in captivity

• Docile nature

• Low tendency to panic

• Conform to social hierarchy

Who initiated the red fox domestication experiment and when?

Belyayev in 1959, Soviet Union.

What were foxes selected for?

Tameness and friendly behaviors toward humans.

What changes occurred in domesticated foxes?

Behavior, morphology (e.g., floppy ears), and physiology changed—developing dog-like traits.

What physical traits are often seen in domesticated animals?

Shorter snout, paler fur, floppy ears.

What cells are believed to be involved in these traits?

Neural crest cells, affecting adrenaline, facial features, and pigmentation.

What is artificial selection?

Human-driven selective breeding of plants and animals.

What are the two main methods of artificial selection?

• Hybridization – crossing dissimilar individuals

• Inbreeding – continued breeding of similar individuals

What are the risks of inbreeding?

Increased susceptibility to disease and deformities.

Name 3 reproductive technologies used in selective breeding.

• Artificial Insemination (AI)

• Embryo Transfer (MOET)

• Sperm Sorting for sex selection

What trait improvements have been achieved in pigs and cattle through breeding?

• Pigs: Growth rate, litter size

• Cattle: Beef and milk production