Pet Keeping and Domestication

A process where organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to their offspring.

The process of humans intentionally breeding plants or animals for specific desirable traits.

The gradual change in the characteristics of a species over time due to processes like natural selection.

The measure of an individual's reproductive success based on the number of genes it passes on directly and indirectly through its relatives.

An evolutionary strategy where individuals favor the reproductive success of their relatives, even at a cost to their own survival.

The process of selectively breeding animals for specific traits that make them suitable for living with humans.

A type of domestication where animals initially benefit from living near humans, such as by accessing food scraps.

The process of choosing specific individuals with desired traits to reproduce, influencing the genetic makeup of future generations.

The process of domestication has led to significant changes in animal behavior, morphology, and physiology. Animals have become less aggressive, more tame, and have developed physical traits that are advantageous for human use.

Domesticated animals typically exhibit reduced aggression compared to their wild counterparts. This is due to selective breeding for tameness and less fearful responses to humans.

Domestication has resulted in changes in animal morphology. Some examples include floppy ears, shortened snouts, and color variations, often chosen for aesthetics or practicality.

Domestication has altered animal physiology. One example is the disappearance of seasonal reproductive patterns in some domesticated animals.

Domestication is associated with a reduction in brain size in animals. The limbic system, responsible for aggression and stress responses, is particularly affected.

Humans' use of tools for carcass processing is an example of an extrasomatic adaptation. This means we have adapted beyond our physical bodies through tools.

The ability to digest milk in adulthood is a result of a genetic mutation that arose due to the benefits of using milk products. This is a major example of co-evolution between humans and domestication.

Individuals with the LP allele, which allows lactose digestion, produced up to 19% more fertile offspring, highlighting the significant advantage this mutation provides for survival.

A process where animals retain juvenile characteristics into adulthood, often leading to less aggressive behavior and more infant-like features.

A set of physical features in infants that trigger caregiving instincts in humans and other animals. These features include a round head, large eyes, and a small nose.

A theory suggesting that domesticated animals manipulate their human owners to obtain benefits like food and shelter.

A specific physical or behavioral trait that triggers an innate response in another animal, often leading to caregiving behavior.

A specific type of cat purr used to solicit food or attention from humans. It contains a high-frequency cry embedded within the purr, similar to a human infant's distress cry.

A type of language used to communicate with dogs, characterized by a higher pitch, increased repetition, and the use of diminutives.

A specific facial expression in dogs that enhances infant-like features, making them appear more adorable and increasing their chances of adoption.

A relationship where both species involved benefit from the interaction. In the context of domestication, it suggests that both humans and animals have mutually beneficial advantages.

The observable characteristics of an organism, including its physical traits and behaviors. In the context of domestication, phenotype changes may be observed between wild and domesticated animals.

An animal with traits that make it naturally suited to domestication, such as a low reactivity to humans or a generalist diet.

A path to domestication where humans selectively hunted prey, favoring less aggressive animals and eventually leading to domestication.

A path to domestication where humans deliberately select animals with desirable traits and breed them specifically for domestication.

Random changes in the frequency of genes within a population, often occurring in isolated groups. This can contribute to differences between wild and domesticated animals.

Young animals that are born helpless and require extensive parental care, making them less desirable for domestication.

Young animals that are relatively independent at birth, requiring less parental care, making them more suitable for domestication.