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Breeding Belyaev's Pets

Domestication, Evolution, and the Farm-Fox Experiment

By J. Phil Gibson

Breeding Belyaev's Pets


 

Abstract

This clicker case addresses several important concepts related to evolution. First, it explores artificial selection and selective breeding. Charles Darwin used artificial selection as an example to support his Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. Belyaev's Fox-Farm experiment is used as an example of a study that used selective breeding as the primary experimental procedure to investigate changes in a lineage. Second, it addresses an interesting observation made by Charles Darwin in The Origin of Species in which he noted how domesticated species also show interesting traits such as drooping ears which seem to be common in domesticated species. The "Farm-Fox Experiment" not only demonstrates how a research team can thoroughly investigate an intriguing question, but also serves as a classic example of elegant experimental design. Designed for use in a large introductory-level biology class, this case study would also be appropriate for smaller classes as well as for upper-level evolution courses.

   

Date Posted

06/27/2014

Overview

Objectives

  • Describe artificial selection and how it relates to domestication.
  • Explain how artificial selection relates to and supports Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.
  • Explain how selection can drive genetic changes in lineages.
  • Understand how genetic variation, inheritance, and selection can result in phenotypic changes and adaptation in a lineage or population over time.
  • Understand that selection on one trait can lead to changes in other traits.
  • Develop hypotheses to investigate an identified question.
  • Predict outcomes of experiments.
  • Analyze data and interpret experimental results in light of research results.
  • Synthesize results from different studies and evaluate their larger significance.

Keywords

Canines; canid; dogs; foxes; evolution; artificial selection; domestication; selective breeding; Dmitri Belyaev; Charles Darwin

  

Subject Headings

Bioinformatics
Evolutionary Biology
Zoology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF, PowerPoint

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Clicker, Interrupted

 

 

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