READ: Artificial Selection

Natural selection, as defined by Charles Darwin in the 19th century, is the process by which favorable traits for survival are passed from parent to offspring while unfavorable traits become less common in a population through time.  Artificial selection involves the intentional selection  of two individuals with desired traits for breeding to try to continue a family line with the desired trait.  Humans have been selectively breeding plants and animals for thousands of years.  The domestication of crops by native peoples may have occurred unintentionally around 8000 BC. The first domestication of animals may have been the mutualistic relationship that formed between ancient humans and the wolf about 12,000 years ago.  Every domesticated breed of animal and every crop grown has been the result of selective breeding.  Three examples of selective breeding are presented here.  The first involves a plant, the second an animal, and the third explains how genetic engineering is the application of modern selective breeding.