The domestication of the russian silver fox. (40 year fast track evolution)

internet ^ | (10/29/02 3:59:34 pm) | dj

[null and void]

*sigh* No pictures...

[TBall]

I did not read any of your post, but my dog goes crazy when he hears a door bell on TV and starts barking and acting like someone is at our door. The funny thing is that my house does not and has not during the dog's lifetime had a working doorbell. Do you know why this is?

[Capriole]

I had a pet fox when I was a kid. They are the most delightful animals in the world and it would be wonderful to have a naturally affectionate, domestic-bred one. If there were any way I could get my hands on a pet fox again or could afford to do so I'd love it.

How horribly sad to think of these dear, enchanting animals, who love and trust people, being sold for fur-farming! I have nothing against fur-farming, meat-eating, or hunting (I wear fox fur, eat meat, and ride to hounds myself) but this is like selling the family cat or dog for its fur.

[FormerLib]

Only found this one. Saw another many years back in the Smithsonian Magazine (back when it was worth reading). Showed a droopy eared fox colored like a spaniel.

Amazing was intelligent intervention can do.

[Sabertooth]

((((((growl)))))

[TigerLikesRooster]

Re #1

This is a great article which can provide insight even into human evolution. I wonder if humans also evolved for the tamability, that is, the enhanced ability of social interaction.

[dennisw]

Thanks for the wide spectrum ping. I wish I knew how to ping the crevo list.

[dennisw]

Here is what you posted about.

[muawiyah]

Kind of smack your lips and whistle at the same time that you snap your fingers. Your dog will jump up, wag his tail, take a short run and leap into your arms.

Do you know why that is?

[Sabertooth]

I saw something about this recently on a program that was either on Animal Planet or Discovery Channel. The playfulness of these foxes as they interacted with humans and dogs was very appealing. Often as they ran, their tales undulated behind them like that of squirrels.

[LibKill]

I read about this one in Smithsonian magazine more than ten years ago.

If memory serves, 30 or so years (at that time) of intensive breeding to produce more tractable sable foxes had come up with small doglike creatures, with spotted coats that were commercially worthless.

I'm not sure what, if anything, this proves but it was interesting reading.

[Let's Roll]

I too remember reading how domesticating foxes was producing worthless pelts and had to laugh at the way the foxes were "fighting" back.

[PatrickHenry]

[This ping list for the evolution -- not creationism -- side of evolution threads, and sometimes for other science topics. If you want to be included, or dropped, let me know.]

[rmlew]

Contact them and see if you can buy a pup.

[blam]

Foxes are closer kin to cats that they are to dogs. Btw, interesting article thanks.

[Aric2000]

Thanks for the Ping.

But, don't you know that Evolution has been disproven?

Domestication of an animal through selective traits or survival of a certain trait is impossible, don't you know that, why it's common knowledge at the Blueman's school!! /sarcasm off

[Edward Watson]

Great article. I never knew it was possible to create such a breed. I do hope the researchers get the funding they need to continue their work and begin selling these pups as pets. I wonder how much each pup can be purchased and what special diets, shots and care they will need?

[null and void]

Awwwwwww!

[stanz]

This demonstrates part of the evolutionary process namely; The mechanics of selection and how a single pressure can have a multiple (polygenetic) effect. This is perhaps lot more important than some may realise. Not speciation btw but perhaps part of the that pocess.

Multiply a bit of selective pressure by unyielding environmental flux and random genetic mutations over time and it is no wonder that a small shrew-like, arboreal creature could give rise to a large terrestrial bipedal form with a propensity for language and abstract thought.