Domestikatsioonisündroomina

Domestikatsioonisündroomina, often translated as domestication syndrome, refers to a suite of phenotypic traits that commonly appear in domesticated animals but are typically absent in their wild ancestors. This syndrome is thought to arise from a shared genetic or developmental mechanism linked to the domestication process itself. Key features include changes in coat color, such as spotting or piebald patterns, floppy ears, shorter snouts, reduced tooth size, and alterations in reproductive cycles, often leading to increased breeding frequency. Behavioral changes are also frequently observed, including a decrease in aggression, increased tameness, and a greater propensity for social interaction with humans.

The leading hypothesis for the origin of domestication syndrome is the neural crest hypothesis. This theory proposes that selection for tameness during domestication inadvertently affects the development of neural crest cells. These cells are crucial for the development of various tissues, including parts of the adrenal glands, pigment cells, and parts of the skull. Reduced migration or proliferation of neural crest cells could explain the constellation of traits observed in domesticated species. While the exact genetic pathways are still under investigation, the domestication syndrome provides a compelling framework for understanding the widespread morphological and behavioral shifts that accompany the long-term association between humans and their domesticated animal companions.