Selective Breeding

   

            Man has been selectively breeding their animals for centuries. Early on in civilization we bred to build stronger farm animals to help our well being, but recently we have trended toward creating the most aesthetically favorable pets. We have breed dogs and cats to look a certain way for viewing and owning pleasure. Many of these traits which we have emphasized in animals, would not have occurred through natural selection, and therefore aren’t evolutionarily favorable. The article I’ve read, Selective Breeding Problems, shows how our selective breeding, has lead to some severe problems in pure-bred species of many modern dogs.

            The article shows that some of the traits we specifically breed for are causing physical disabilities in modern dogs. For example traits we find aesthetically pleasing, such as the flat face that a bulldog has, or the ”low slung eyelids” of bloodhounds actually cause breathing difficulty and increased susceptibility to eye infections to the respective dog sub-species. There are also unforeseen consequences (immune diseases, blood disorders, heart disease, etc.) that occur from the inbreeding processes we use to create our ideal pet. For example in basset hounds, cardigan welshes, duchshunds and corgis, autoimmune disorders are extremely prevalent. In addition, Australian terriers and samoyeds have a significantly higher prevalence of certain diseases such as diabetes compared to many other dog sub-species. Many of these diseases could have been inherited out or at least been in less prevalence if natural selection had the opportunity to take its course.

            Emily Anthes, author of Frankenstein’s Cat, speaks about a similar concept when she speaks about biotechnology’s current versus potential uses. Although, we have used our ability to manipulate genes to do many interesting things such as creating animals and plants, which glow in the dark, we have yet to fully access the potential life altering benefits it could bring. This is shown when Anthes states that “useful transgenic animals [which] are struggling to get the official stamp of approval,” while these aesthetically appealing animals are quickly accepted. Through genetic manipulation we could isolate genes that cause cancer, schizophrenia, and other detrimental genetic disorders in animals as well as humans. We could also potentially isolate genes from bacteria and other species, which could prolong the aging process and along with it all aging related diseases. We now have the ability to specialize animals with traits that the species never possessed, rather than simply choosing to exemplify the best existing trait.

            Biotechnology is our most recent form of selective breeding. We are able manipulate life on a much greater scale now than ever before, but we must still keep in mind the effects they may have. Just like we have strayed away from initial breeding of farm animals, to breeding aesthetically favorable pets with negative side effects, it is possible that genetic manipulation can cause some harm. We need to be open minded to the new potential that genetic variation can bring, and realize that although there may be some negatives, the potential for long-term life changing benefits are worth it. 

References:

"Selective Breeding Problems." PBS Nature. Thirteen, June 2013. Web. 11 Oct. 2013. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/dogs-that-changed-the-world/selective-breeding-problems/1281/

Anthes, Emily. Frankenstein’s Cat: Cuddling up to Biotech’s Brave New Beasts. 1^st Edition. New York: Scientific American, 2013. Print.