Darwin and animal breeding: Evolution applied to breeding improvements

Miguel Ángel Toro Ibáñez

Abstract


Darwin reflected on the potential of natural selection by comparing it with the results humans have achieved with artificial selection. This paper discusses how, although the similarity between the two is evident, there are also important differences. We also present two examples of applications of evolutionary theory: the potential importance of sexual selection in transgenic fish and selection for social characteristics in the context of welfare-friendly animal breeding.

Keywords


artificial selection; sexual selection; social character; animal welfare

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.7203/metode.78.2470

References


López-Fanjul, C.; Castro, L. and M. A. Toro, 2009. «Darwinismo: aplicaciones y devociones». Revista de libros, 156: 32-39.

Toro, M. A., 2011. «Future Trends in Animal Breeding Due to New Genetic Technologies». Advances in Animal Biosciences, 1: 546-557. DOI: <10.1017/S2040470010005431>.

Toro, M. A. and L. Castro, 2009. «Evolución aplicada: la utilidad del darwinismo». In López-Fanjul, C. [ed.], 2009. El alcance del darwinismo. A los 150 años de «El origen de las especies». Colegio Libre de Eméritos. Madrid.

Wade, M. J.; Bijma, P.; Ellen, E. D. and W. Muir, 2010. «Group Selection and Social Evolution in Domestic Animals». Evolutionary Applications, 3: 453-465. DOI: <10.1111/j.1752-4571.2010.00147.x>.


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