Summary
Selection for tameness changed many traits together, as shown in the Russian fox experiment.
In depth
Belyaev's fox experiment selected for tameness from the 1950s; foxes developed floppy ears, curly tails and piebald coats within generations, a suite called domestication syndrome, possibly through neural crest effects. Dogs derive from wolves 15,000 or more years ago.
Domestication changes behaviour and morphology. Genes of neural crest development may be involved. Many domestic animals have reduced brain size.
Key idea: selection for tameness can change many traits at once.
Domestication produces similar changes in many species, the domestication syndrome: reduced aggression, floppy ears, curled tails, patchy coats, smaller brains and teeth, and earlier or extended breeding. The neural crest hypothesis (Wilkins) suggests mild neural crest deficits explain this suite. In Belyaev's fox experiment, selecting only on tameness over generations produced these traits as well as dog-like behaviour, and genome analyses found regions that overlap with those in dogs. Dogs were domesticated from wolves at least 15,000 years ago (maybe over 20,000), cattle and sheep around 10,000 years ago, and horses about 5500 years ago.
Genetic changes include starch digestion genes (AMY2B copy number) in dogs, and lactase persistence in cattle-keeping humans. Domestication causes bottlenecks, loss of diversity and accumulation of deleterious variants (cost of domestication). Ancient DNA is showing complex histories with multiple origins and interbreeding with wild relatives.
Key idea: selection for one trait can bring along many others because of shared developmental pathways.
Frequently asked questions
What is Domestication Genetics?
Selection for tameness changed many traits together, as shown in the Russian fox experiment.
Which area of biology covers Domestication Genetics, and how advanced is it?
Domestication Genetics is one of the 53 topics in Zoology & Animal Diversity. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Island Gigantism and Dwarfism, Vertebrates and Invertebrates, Endangered Animal Biology.
Can you give an example of Domestication Genetics?
Lactase persistence evolved in cattle-herding people.
What should I learn before Domestication Genetics?
Work through the Beginner topics in Zoology & Animal Diversity first, such as Animal Kingdom, Vertebrates and Invertebrates, Sponges, then return to Domestication Genetics. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Domestication Genetics?
The closest topics to Domestication Genetics are Island Gigantism and Dwarfism, Vertebrates and Invertebrates, Endangered Animal Biology, Sexual Dimorphism. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Domestication Genetics?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Domestication Genetics. To practise the whole of Zoology & Animal Diversity, use the Zoology & Animal Diversity quiz.
How is Domestication Genetics different from Island Gigantism and Dwarfism?
Domestication Genetics: Selection for tameness changed many traits together, as shown in the Russian fox experiment. Island Gigantism and Dwarfism: Isolated animals tend to evolve larger or smaller sizes depending on resources and predators. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Domestication Genetics step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Island Gigantism and Dwarfism and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Zoology & Animal Diversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.