Belyaev's Foxes
"Belyaev's Foxes" refers to a scientific experiment conducted by Dmitry Belyaev in the 1950s in Siberia, where he selectively bred silver foxes for tameness. Over generations, these foxes exhibited dog-like behaviors, such as seeking human interaction and displaying less fear. This research aimed to understand the genetic basis of domestication.
The experiment revealed that domestication could lead to physical changes as well, such as altered fur color and floppy ears. Belyaev's work has provided valuable insights into the process of domestication and the relationship between humans and animals, influencing studies in evolutionary biology and genetics.