Selective Breeding: Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes Define the terms ‘artificial selection’ and ‘domestication’ and explain the relationship between artificial and natural selection. Compare some of the different methods of artificial selection in plants and animals. Describe some common features (colouration and patterning) of the skin, fur and feathers frequently observed in domesticated livestock. Describe some experimental domestication studies in foxes and explain the relevance to the origin of some anatomical and behavioural characteristics in modern breeds of dogs kept as companions and livestock. Explain how the biological characteristics of species influence aspects of their management and reproduction in captivity, with particular reference to large herbivores such as Asian elephants. Outline some physical and digestive features of herbivores that are influenced by their sources of nutrition. Describe how the evolution of lactation has taken place and compare the composition of milk in different species.