Scientists find brain changes in tame foxes bred from wild ancestors
Researchers published a study in Current Biology on November 2 comparing the brains of domesticated, aggressive, and wild foxes.
Study compares three fox groups
Scientists examined the neurology of tame foxes alongside aggressive and wild counterparts. They identified specific changes in a brain region previously linked to aggression. The research utilized a classic experiment that began on silver fox farms in Siberia during the late 1950s.
Selective breeding created friendly litters
Russian geneticists selectively bred friendlier foxes with each other over six generations. This process resulted in puppies that interacted positively with human caretakers. The cuddlier animals also developed physical features typical of domestication, such as floppy ears and shorter snouts.
Brain region drives social behavior
The changes occurred in the ventromedial hypothalamus at the base of the brain. This area controls decisions related to energy use and plays a role in maternal instincts. It is known to drive aggression in mice but shows different patterns in these foxes.
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