artificial selection and domestication Flashcards
breed definition
a group of animals that has been selected by man to possess a uniform appearance that is heritable and distinguishes it from other groups of animals within the same species
pet definition
a domesticated species kept by humans for aesthetic reasons or for pleasure
taming definition
the behavioural manipulation of a wild animal to allow it to be confident around humans
feral definition
a domesticated species that has reverted to living in a semi-natural state
what are the conditions that predispose animals to domestication
animals should be hardy (able to survive removal from its mother before weaning and adapt to a new diet and environment), accept a dominance hierarchy, should be comfort-loving (not instant fight when threatened), fast rate of growth, should be useful, breed freely in captivity, easy to control (placid)
home range definition
a restricted area within which individual groups of animals live-normally around home site over which animals search for food
territory definition
an area defended from others of the same species usually by males
what are the general effects of domestication
reduction in body size, changes in body proportions and appearance, internal characters and dentition, neoteny (slowing of body development), behavioural changes, castration
general body characteristics of domesticated animals
dwarf and giant varieties, piebald coat colour, wavy or curly hair, rolled tails, floppy ears, shortened tails, changes in reproductive cycles
what are the general effects of domestication in the changes in appearance and body proportions
variation of coloration, thick coats in mountainous or thin for warmer regions, self shedding
general effects of domestication on internal characters and dentition
tooth size reduced, changes in skull, changes in upper mandible, surplus of fat, decreased brain size
inbreeding definition
mating of individuals more closely related than average pairs in the population
