The result was a docile, domesticated fox that also exhibited a range of other traits, such as variations in pigmentation and size, which were not the primary focus of selection. Consequently, these domesticated animals share a suite of traits we now refer to as the ‘domestication syndrome.’Ī perfect example of this is the famous silver fox experiment, where wild foxes were selectively bred over roughly 13 to 15 generations for their tameness alone. For instance, pigs, dogs, sheep, and even fish have undergone this process. These traits were not necessarily expected as a result of domestication, a process where humans selectively breed animals to make them more tame and sociable. When I first delved into the self-domestication theory, I came across the idea of ‘domestication syndrome.’ To give you a bit of background, Charles Darwin noticed a long time ago that many domesticated animals, despite hailing from different taxa or clades, shared certain traits.

Although I’m not entirely convinced by this hypothesis, I do find it compelling because it generates testable predictions, a rarity in the field of language evolution, which is often shrouded in mystery. Recently, in the past five years or so, researchers have started using this theory to explain the emergence of human language. Among various theories posited, one intriguing idea is the self-domestication hypothesis, a famous concept within human evolution. I’m curious about how and why human language has evolved to be so distinct, setting us apart from other animals. Particularly fascinating is the question of whether it’s evolution and society that shape language, and in this context, the self-domestication theory has sparked my interest. Though I’m not an animal scientist, I’ve studied the evolution of language, and I’m deeply intrigued by various theories that attempt to explain how and why language developed. What made you study elephants and self domestication? Limor Raviv discussed her research with SCINQ. This research offers insights into the evolution of prosocial behavior and convergent evolution across diverse species. The study posits that elephants’ large size and strength create a ‘safe environment’, reducing the need for aggression and allowing cognitive development towards communication and exploration. They also show genetic markers associated with domestication.

Elephants demonstrate learned behaviors, sophisticated multimodal communication, and signs of grammar in vocalizations. These traits foster complex community interactions and learning.Įlephants, alongside humans and bonobos, exhibit self-domestication hallmarks such as low aggression, empathy, prosocial behavior, extended juvenility, playfulness, and complex communication. The research, led by Limor Raviv, suggests that human evolution, similar to animal domestication, may have favored less aggressive and more prosocial individuals. A recent study examined the concept of self-domestication in humans, bonobos, and elephants.

Black outline of elephant