Shownotes
Horse Domestication, Genetic Selection and Structural Change in Modern Breeding. Domestication is not a closed chapter in history. It continues to shape modern horses — influencing temperament, stress physiology, locomotion and skeletal structure.
In this episode, we explore the scientific foundations behind modern breeding trends:
- the two domestication waves of the horse
- the DOM2 expansion and large-scale genetic turnover around 2200 BCE
- selection for rideability, locomotion and reduced aggression
- the Silver Fox Domestication Experiment as a model for behavioral genetic selection
- genetic bottlenecks and inbreeding using the Isle Royale wolves as a biological case study
- ncreasing reports of cervical spine, rib and lumbar variations in modern horses
and why sport horse breeding must be viewed through a population genetics lens. This episode connects ancient horse genomics, behavioral genetics and contemporary breeding practices.
Evidenz:
Isle Royale Wolves – Genetic Bottleneck & Skeletal Effects
Robinson, J. A., et al. (2019). Genomic signatures of extensive inbreeding in Isle Royale wolves. Science Advances. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6541468/
Silver Fox Domestication Experiment
Dugatkin, L. A., & Trut, L. (2018). The silver fox domestication experiment. Evolution: Education and Outreach. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12052-018-0090-x
Librado, P., et al. (2021). The origins and spread of domestic horses from the Western Eurasian steppes. Nature, 598, 634–640. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-04018-9
Librado, P., et al. (2024). Widespread horse-based mobility arose around 2200 BCE in Eurasia. Nature, 631, 819–825. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07597-5
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