Changing the path of evolution
We can never truly know for certain how selective breeding has impacted on a species evolving. The species of today may be where that species is supposed to be 30 or 40 years in the future. That species might be extinct by now without selective breeding, or on the brink of it. A trait that may have been bred out of a species because it was a liability may be an undeniably important asset in the near future.
Some things that are beyond a doubt as a result of selective breeding is that many species are now dependant upon humans for survival. Species such as cows are now unable to live without frequent human contact, as in the past cows were selectively bred for their quality of milk and the amount they produce. Although in the past cows only produced milk for their offspring, they now produce milk too fast to wait so long. They have to be milked or else they would die.
Other species, who were taken into captivity to selectively breed and help the species be saved from extinction are now unable to live outside of captivity, as their offspring have not learnt the skills they require to survive outside of their artificial environment. Although the intentions were good, humans have ironically doomed certain species to captivity forever in their attempts to help them survive in the wild.
Another more common impact on evolution almost everyone is aware of is the domesticated wolf, also known as dogs. All dogs came from wolves through selective breeding over hundreds of years, and selective breeding is responsible for all breeds from Great Danes to chihuahuas. Without selective breeding, all dogs would be wolves, but would not be as populous as the populations of dogs present around the world in the present day.
Some species of plants may be at risk if they have come from selective breeding, in particular self pollination. For example, if a plant has come from a self pollinated plant that is used to constant rain and there is a sudden drought, the offspring stands next to no chance. This is because the plant the offsprng is an exact copy of would not be accustomed to such conditions and would have no way to pass on taits to survive such conditions to offspring of it's self pollination.
Of course, the above examples are all that can be truly proven in any way. Everything else can only be speculated. Who knows how a species could be different nowadays. It's uncertain how humans have impacted upon evolution of all species, but all that is for certain is that the species that have been selectively bred are still alive, and that's all we can be grateful for.
Some things that are beyond a doubt as a result of selective breeding is that many species are now dependant upon humans for survival. Species such as cows are now unable to live without frequent human contact, as in the past cows were selectively bred for their quality of milk and the amount they produce. Although in the past cows only produced milk for their offspring, they now produce milk too fast to wait so long. They have to be milked or else they would die.
Other species, who were taken into captivity to selectively breed and help the species be saved from extinction are now unable to live outside of captivity, as their offspring have not learnt the skills they require to survive outside of their artificial environment. Although the intentions were good, humans have ironically doomed certain species to captivity forever in their attempts to help them survive in the wild.
Another more common impact on evolution almost everyone is aware of is the domesticated wolf, also known as dogs. All dogs came from wolves through selective breeding over hundreds of years, and selective breeding is responsible for all breeds from Great Danes to chihuahuas. Without selective breeding, all dogs would be wolves, but would not be as populous as the populations of dogs present around the world in the present day.
Some species of plants may be at risk if they have come from selective breeding, in particular self pollination. For example, if a plant has come from a self pollinated plant that is used to constant rain and there is a sudden drought, the offspring stands next to no chance. This is because the plant the offsprng is an exact copy of would not be accustomed to such conditions and would have no way to pass on taits to survive such conditions to offspring of it's self pollination.
Of course, the above examples are all that can be truly proven in any way. Everything else can only be speculated. Who knows how a species could be different nowadays. It's uncertain how humans have impacted upon evolution of all species, but all that is for certain is that the species that have been selectively bred are still alive, and that's all we can be grateful for.
