Book of the day: "How to tame the fox (and turn into a dog)" - experiment to create the perfect pet

Exactly 60 years ago, in 1959, the prominent Soviet geneticist Dmitry Belyaev and his student Lyudmila Truth began a bold and dangerous experiment that is still ongoing. They decided to domesticate wild and aggressive black and silver fox. "How to tame the fox (and turn into a dog). Siberian evolutionary experiment "- the first book on this subject is not written for the scientific community, but for everyone who is interested in science, genetics, evolution, and fox.

Belyaev wanted to write a non-fiction book about his unique experiment, but, unfortunately, did not have time. Geneticist, he died in 1985. But his cause is alive still. American biologist and writer Lee Dugatkin with Lyudmila Trut still fulfill the desire of Belyaev and published a book. Of Truth, a direct participant and witness how he worked Belyaev, the reader learns why domesticate wild animals and whether it is real.

It all started with a bold ideas. The scientists wanted to see whether it is possible to tame animals that have not gone on contact. Because somehow the dog became man's best friend, why not try to make friends with a fox? Belyaev and Trut created the conditions in which failed to observe the genetic changes of these animals. Until they did not put such experiments, geneticists have worked with insects and mice, but not with such complex creatures like foxes. Difficulties caused and the fact that the offspring they produce only once a year.

Lis has not trained and are not kept next to the man. The main condition of the experiment was to limit the communication of animal and scientists to a minimum. Foxes live in cages on the street. Belyaev and Trut was taken from each litter of the friendliest and most gullible cubs. After a few generations of Truth I decided to pick the most affectionate a female piece of fluff from a rescue to the house where she lived and worked. In the room where lived the fox, and the cabinet Truth had no door. Fluff quietly approached and communicated with Lyudmila, but shy of the first birth, immediately carried the helpless cub into the office and gave Trout. such an extent trust Fox did not show earlier.

The result was a rapid evolution in time. Just a few generations unsociable and showing hostility towards any person, came up to the cage, the fox became affectionate and obedient. They wag their bushy tails, licking his face and incredibly loyal. And as for their beauty can talk for hours.

Book refrains from final conclusions about them too early. Genetic basis of the changes are only now beginning to decipher. The very domestication of foxes in Siberia continues. Will this story end, not very clear. Belyaev himself hoped for continued research and suggested that their results and how they will affect the study of behavioral geneticsIt will be possible one day to apply for a better understanding of human evolution.

Perhaps the study of foxes will help us to better understand their own origins. For example, a professor of evolutionary anthropology Brian Hare, based on this experiment, I suggestedThat the development of man can affect not only our intelligence, but the social and the desire to be friends.

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