In his book On the Origin of Species (1859), Charles Darwin wrote about a high degree of variation among domesticated plants and animals, their differences from wild ancestors. His view (controversial among contemporaries) was that people created such completely different breeds during selective crossbreeding of individuals that had preferred characteristics. Darwin's doctrine of artificial and natural selection helped him develop a theory of evolution. “If people were able to create such a degree of species variation in only a few hundred generations, then nature, acting in a much longer time frame, was able to generate such diverse life forms that inhabit the Earth today,” - said Charles Darwin.
Difference from natural selection
To describe Darwin’s doctrine of artificial selection briefly, it is the crossbreeding of two separate individuals within the same species. This is the main difference from natural selection, where any changes in species depend on external natural factors. Charles Darwin’s doctrine of artificial selection implies that the selection process is not random, it is completely controlled by people's needs. Pets and wild animals that are currently outside their natural habitat are constantly being selected by humans. The purpose of this is to obtain the perfect pet in appearance, behavior and other characteristics.
Darwin and the Finches
Charles Darwin’s doctrine of artificial selection is not new. With this research, he reinforced his idea of natural selection. Then Darwin continued to work on the theory of evolution. In 1831, he went on a long-term expedition to South America. It is noteworthy that she almost broke. The captain of the ship was completely sure that the shape of the nose of Darwin indicates laziness. The ship's commander refused to take the researcher with him on an expedition.
Charles Darwin conducted the most valuable research in the Galapagos Islands. The scientist observed the birds and noticed that finches in different parts of the islands differ in size and shape of the beak. Isolation of birds on the islands over time has led to a change in species to the extent that it later became difficult to guess their common ancestor. They adapted according to the prevailing type of food that they constantly ate. After some time, the teaching of C. Darwin on artificial selection completely refuted the then popular thoughts of Jean Baptiste Lamarck that all kinds of living creatures appeared spontaneously, simply from nothing.
Basic research scientist
The task of Charles Darwin was to check whether he could reproduce the changes that occurred with the birds in the Galapagos Islands, in artificial (laboratory) conditions. Returning to England after the expedition, the scientist raised birds to conduct research. For several generations, Darwin was able to create offspring with the desired qualities by crossing parents who possessed precisely these traits. Artificial selection included color, beak shape and length, size and many other qualities. The scientist carried out colossal work on the collection, systematization and analysis of the information he received during the expedition to South America and the Galapagos Islands. This study marked the beginning of Charles Darwin’s teachings on artificial selection. After more than 20 years of work, his famous book “On the Origin of Species” was published, which became a breakthrough and completely changed the ideas of that time about the appearance of a huge variety of living creatures on Earth.
Practical use for commercial purposes
Animal breeding is really a very lucrative business. Today, they make a lot of money. Many owners and trainers will be willing to pay for a horse with a pedigree and a certain set of qualities. After retirement, champion horses are often used to produce the offspring of winners in the next generation. Muscles, strength, endurance, size and even bone structure - all these traits are passed on to children from their parents. If you find two horses with the necessary qualities for a champion horse, then there is a big chance that their offspring will have the characteristics that are desirable for owners and trainers.
Where and why is it used
A popular way to apply Darwin’s teachings on artificial selection among animals is to breed dogs. As with the selection of horses, they have special features that are preferable when participating in competitions and exhibitions of different breeds. Judges evaluate the color and patterns of the coat, the manner of holding, and even the teeth of animals. Although dog behavior can be trained, there is evidence that some behavioral traits are genetically transmitted.
Even if some dog breeds are not suitable for participation in the exhibition, they become popular pets. The most popular are new hybrids, for example, pagl - a cross between a pug and a beagle. People who prefer new breeds of animals enjoy their original appearance and uniqueness. Breeders-breeders choose animals that have certain characteristics for breeding, which, in their opinion, will be most favorable for posterity.
A way to learn more about genes and heredity
Darwin's doctrine of artificial selection is used for numerous studies. Laboratories use mice or rats to conduct tests that cannot yet be performed in humans. Some studies suggest breeding mice in order to obtain a gene or trait that needs to be studied. Sometimes laboratories seek to obtain an individual who does not have a particular gene and see what this will lead to offspring.
Darwin's doctrine of artificial selection implies that any animals and plants correspond to it. Animal selection is the ability to keep disappearing, to create an improved or completely new kind of living creatures. It is possible that the desired traits will never arise, but thanks to Darwin's teachings on natural and artificial selection, this becomes achievable.