- #31
clouded.perception
- 61
- 0
As far as the OP goes, the important thing is how closely breeder selection mimicks a pattern of natural selection -- that is, whether creatures are being selected for their genotypes or phenotypes.
For instance, in the early days of cattle breeding (and in most cows today, in fact), breeding was natural selection in all but name -- cows which produced more milk or meat were allowed to breed, gradually resulting in a population that produces more milk or meat. This is a direct, immediate selection due to phenotype, and fits evolution.
But most dogs nowadays are bred with foresight. A dogs will be bred from if there's a good chance that they carry a desired mutation, WHETHER OR NOT THEY EXHIBIT THE MUTATION PHYSICALLY. their partner will be chosen to have the same mutation. this does not mimick natural selection and does not fit the evolution model -- it's similar, but not the same.
For instance, in the early days of cattle breeding (and in most cows today, in fact), breeding was natural selection in all but name -- cows which produced more milk or meat were allowed to breed, gradually resulting in a population that produces more milk or meat. This is a direct, immediate selection due to phenotype, and fits evolution.
But most dogs nowadays are bred with foresight. A dogs will be bred from if there's a good chance that they carry a desired mutation, WHETHER OR NOT THEY EXHIBIT THE MUTATION PHYSICALLY. their partner will be chosen to have the same mutation. this does not mimick natural selection and does not fit the evolution model -- it's similar, but not the same.