Selfdomestication

Selfdomestication is a hypothesis proposing that certain species may undergo a process akin to domestication without direct human intervention. This occurs when a species develops traits that are advantageous for living in close proximity to humans, even if humans are not actively selecting for those traits. These traits often include reduced aggression, increased sociability towards humans, and a greater tolerance for human environments. The concept draws parallels with the domestication of animals like dogs and cats, where selective breeding by humans has led to significant behavioral and physical changes.

In selfdomestication, the evolutionary pressure comes from the availability of resources or a niche created by human settlements. Species that are less fearful, more opportunistic in scavenging, or less aggressive towards humans might thrive in these human-modified landscapes. Over generations, individuals exhibiting these "tamer" traits would have a survival and reproductive advantage, leading to a gradual shift in the population's characteristics. This process is thought to be a factor in the evolutionary history of some animals, potentially explaining why certain species have become so readily associated with human presence.

Examples often cited include the silver fox domestication experiment, which showed that selecting for tameness could rapidly lead to changes resembling domesticated animals. Other species like certain rodents or birds that inhabit urban environments are sometimes considered potential candidates for having undergone a degree of selfdomestication. The key distinction from traditional domestication is the absence of conscious, directed human breeding efforts.