Site of the Day for Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Animal Domestication: Taming the Wild
Today's site, from National Geographic, shines an informative spotlight on
scientific attempts to domesticate otherwise wild species. Gentle Subscribers
will discover a fascinating report on the research, complete with National
Geographic's signature photos.
"Only a handful of wild animal species have been successfully bred to get along
with humans. The reason, scientists say, is found in their genes."- from the
website
The article considers the modest extent of animal domestication, pointing out
that only 15 of more than 140 large mammals have managed to become
domesticated. Pointing out the difference between taming a wild species and
truly domesticating it, the report focuses on the efforts of Russian
researchers and their remarkable work on silver foxes. Background details
reveal the stranglehold placed on genetic research during the Stalin era and
the strides which have occurred since that time, both in Russia and the West.
As is de rigueur in any National Geographic feature, an extensive Photo Gallery
enhances the text.
A tip of the hat to Subscriber D C for this suggestion.
Prowl over to the site to explore the science of wild animal domestication at:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/03/taming-wild-animals/ratliff-text/1
A.M. Holm
Comments? Suggestions? amholm@xxxxxxxxxxx
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