Üldomadusi

Üldomadusi, also known as the "Universal Domestication Syndrome," is a proposed evolutionary phenomenon that suggests all animals, including humans, have undergone a similar process of domestication. This theory posits that the selective pressures of domestication, such as reduced aggression, increased docility, and enhanced social behavior, have been applied to a wide range of species over time. The concept was first introduced by the ethologist Nikolaas Tinbergen in the 1950s and has since been explored by various researchers in the fields of animal behavior and evolutionary biology.

The underlying mechanism of üldomadusi is thought to involve the reduction of natural selection pressures, particularly those related to survival and reproduction, which are typically the primary drivers of evolutionary change. Instead, selective pressures related to human needs and preferences, such as the ability to be kept in captivity, produce offspring easily, and provide useful products or services, come to dominate. This shift in selective pressures can lead to the evolution of traits that are beneficial to humans but may not be advantageous in the wild.

Examples of üldomadusi can be found in various domesticated species, including dogs, cats, and even some wild animals like horses and cattle. These species have evolved traits that make them more suitable for human use, such as reduced fear of humans, increased tolerance of human contact, and enhanced ability to perform tasks for human benefit. The theory of üldomadusi helps to explain the rapid evolution of these traits in relatively short time scales, as compared to the much slower pace of natural selection in the wild.

However, the concept of üldomadusi is still a topic of debate among scientists. Some researchers argue that the theory oversimplifies the complex processes of domestication and evolution, while others contend that it provides a useful framework for understanding the interactions between humans and other animals. Despite ongoing discussions, üldomadusi remains an intriguing and thought-provoking idea in the study of animal behavior and evolution.