domestication
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Elephants Might Be Self-Domesticated, Scientists Argue
A group of scientists is making a provocative argument about the nature of elephants. They posit that these gentle giants have achieved self-domestication, meaning they’ve self-selected for traits commonly found in humans and our domesticated animals, particularly reduced aggression. Not every outside expert agrees with the team’s conclusions, though.
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New Tech Could Help Archaeologists Figure Out Where And When Humans Domesticated Horses
In the increasingly urbanised world, few people still ride horses for reasons beyond sport or leisure. However, on horseback, people, goods and ideas moved across vast distances, shaping the power structures and social systems of the premechanized era. From the trade routes of the Silk Road or the great Mongol Empire to the equestrian nations…
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Which Extinct Animal Would Have Made The Best Pet?
With de-extinction hovering on the edge of being a thing, it is worth asking at least one question. That question is not “why?” or “is this a good idea?” If it can be done, it will be, and that’s that. No, the question is: which formerly extinct animals should we domesticate? The cat/dog paradigm has…
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Why Purebred Dogs Are Sick, Miserable And Ugly
This week, the Westminster Kennel Club is hosting its popular annual dog show, where canines of all shapes and sizes get to strut their stuff in front of discerning judges. Seems like harmless fun, but many purebred dogs are, or soon will be, in poor physical health – the result of an emphasis on cosmetic,…