3 ms·
The results of the study shouldn't be surprising. The traits which we breed for in our domesticated pets--big eyes, round forehead, pudgy cheeks--these are trai
by AdmiralAsshat 12y ago
The results of the study shouldn't be surprising. The traits which we breed for in our domesticated pets--big eyes, round forehead, pudgy cheeks--these are traits that make them look "cute," but many of them (sans things like fluffiness) ultimately make them resemble babies. That's why we find them cute. To boot, we breed them to be tinier, more docile, and more affectionate towards us.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoteny http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoteny
- ubercore 12y agoI believe those features arise as a side-effect of domestication, they're not the actual goal of domestication. In the silver fox experiment, things like floppy ears arose without being specifically selected for. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domesticated_silver_fox http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domesticated_silver_fox
- dazmax 12y agoI wouldn't say floppy ears and mottled fur are baby-like.