domestication
number of breaks: 5
How almonds became sweet
Salads, vegan milk, yogurt, marzipan - all these products contain healthy sweet almonds. The almond ancestor, which still grows in the wild, carries bitter almonds. Consumption of its bitter kernels can be lethal to us and to wild herbivores. The bitterness comes from the presence... click to read more
How the domestic rabbit became fearless
The domestication of animals progresses gradually as wild animals' genomes evolve and they adapt to life in captivity. Such genetic changes may manifest themselves in how an animal looks, behaves, functions and reproduces. The most striking of these modifications is tameness, - a common feature... click to read more
Fair or unfair? The infinite patience of domestic dogs
It is likely not surprising to anyone reading this that humans have a strong sense of fairness. We recognize and respond to inequities from a very young age, and we continue to strive for equity throughout our lives. Though many may consider this a uniquely... click to read more
The healthy happiness behind dog ownership
Dogs have been called man's best friend for several centuries and it is not uncommon to read about the stereotype benefits on health and well-being attributed to their companionship. Their presence in a home has been associated with longevity, less loneliness, better adaptation to living... click to read more
How cats conquered the Ancient world: a 9,000-years DNA tale
When animals became domesticated, they gained protection from starvation, predation and disease but lost freedom. This is very well exemplified with the dog, the first animal that had been domesticated and that is very different from its ancestor, the wolf, in terms of behavior, morphology... click to read more
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