The white spots of cows, the curly tails of pigs and the hang ears of rabbits are just a few examples of typical domestic animal traits compared to its wild relative.
Darwin already observed this remarkable pattern in mans' best friends, but so far there was no evolutionary explanation. Leading scientist now say lack of stress changed the need for adrenalin production with a lot of side effects.
A group of embryonic stem cells called the neural crest is responsible for producing adrenalin glands as well as several of the 'cute' appearances in our house hold animals. This neural crest is probably evolutionary crippled by selecting on 'tameness'.
The elegance of the theory is that it even explains that the outer areas (noses, tails, ears, end of feet) are more affected than others as these are developed later in the embryo.
sowas von Süss
Didn't think this through +Jordi Posthumus but now that you mention it: no curly tail here. Stress….
Love beagles..
people in certain countries generally experience less stress than those in other countries, so what changes in humans would this bring?
Fired!
Wonderful!
Now that is interesting. Thanks for the link.
awhh……………………………………………>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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