Articles tagged with Artificial Selection
A new study reveals that Indonesian cattle breeds carry a unique blend of zebu and banteng genetics, making them more genetically diverse than other breeds. This diversity could lead to improved disease resistance, productivity, and greenhouse gas emissions in cattle farming.
A study reveals that decades of overfishing have significantly altered the genetic composition of Eastern Baltic cod, leading to reduced growth rates and smaller sizes. The researchers found a correlation between slower growth and increased survival under high fishing pressure.
Selective breeding by humans led to significant changes in pig skulls, with snouts becoming shorter and flatter, in just a century. The study also found that even separate breeds of domestic pigs underwent similar changes, highlighting the power of human influence on animal evolution.
A team led by Bill Ballard has published a new study in GigaScience to propose Cooinda, an Alpine dingo, as the model specimen to represent a typical dingo. The study presents genomic and brain imaging data that sheds light on the evolutionary history of dingoes and their domestication process.
Researchers found that differences in epigenetic DNA methylation predict behavioral differences between dogs better than genetic markers. Epigenetics are more informative for behavior than genetics, and the results open up new possibilities for screening and selecting desired behavioral traits in companion or service dogs.
Selective conifer breeding accelerates tree growth but may lead to genetic trade-offs with climate adaptation, posing challenges for future forests. The study identified genes associated with growth and cold tolerance, highlighting the need for careful breeding programs to maintain healthy forests in changing climates.
Researchers report the goldfish genome sequence, identifying regions subjected to strong artificial selection for aesthetic features. The analysis sheds light on the evolutionary origin and domestication history of goldfish, providing a model for examining natural mutations and artificial selection.
Researchers found that artificial breeding created extreme wing shape and size relationships in fruit flies, but natural selection corrected these changes within just 15 generations. This study suggests that evolution is constrained by fundamental biological processes, such as developmental links between traits.
A new genetic chip will enable salmon breeders to detect fish with desirable genes, improving growth and resistance to diseases such as sea lice. The chip carries over 20 times more genetic information than existing tools and can be used to select the best breeding stock.
Biologists at UC Riverside found that voluntary activity is a heritable trait that can be passed down genetically. Mice bred for high running ability produced high-running offspring, indicating the trait was inherited. The study suggests pharmaceutical drugs could be used to alter human activity levels.
A recent study identified 155 regions on the canine genome influenced by selective breeding. These regions contain 1,630 known or predicted protein-coding genes linked to physical and behavioral variations such as size, coat color, and behavior.