Human Directed Evolution of Canine
Taylor Nelson
Biology 358 – Winter 2023
Introduction – The principal selection is directed in domesticated purebred dogs to improve specific traits and behaviors for human benefit. This has been done through selective breeding, inbreeding, and genetic modification. Studies of dog genetics, behavioral evolution, and mutations among selective breeds will be used as supporting sources. Five studies will be referenced to as support for the human interference in dog evolution. Two of the studies will focus on dog genetics and three will focus on behavioral phenotypes.
Body of the paper – The directed evolution of dogs has two main parts to it. There are the behavioral aspects that has been manipulated for generations
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Secondly there is the genetic aspect. This is done for specific phenotypical traits and genetic advantages through inbreeding and genetic modification. The two parts coincide with each other and in some breeds the ideal behavior also has a genetic aspect supporting it. A general example of this would be any breed of doodle dogs. This breeds coat is hypoallergenic and when bred with a dog whose breed is known for its human compatibility like the golden retriever it results in a hypoallergenic friendly dog. This type of dog is highly sought after by dog owners and is due to human directed evolution.
Genetic structures of purebred domesticated dogs give data to compare genetic variations between dog breeds and formulates phylogenies. The study Genetic Structure of the Purebred Domestic Dog (Parker et al. 2004) determined that due to breed barriers, a registration that restricts dog breeding for breed specification, there is a strong genetic difference between the breeds they tested. The study concluded that their classification of dog breeds was more accurate to the dog’s genetics then to its
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Genetically humans have inbred dogs of the same breed to pass down ideal traits. humans have also selectively bred dogs of the same or different breed to isolate traits, mutations, or phenotypes. Many examples of these ideal traits were discussed, such as Golden Doodles coat and Jack Russel Terroirs tails. Behaviorally humans have again inbred and specifically breed dogs to keep the ideal behaviors desired by humans. Examples discussed were attachment-bonds with humans, social heritability, and attention seeking