Breeding tame igs and other reptiles....long

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Posted by cwatbay on April 24, 2000 at 20:54:46:

I believe that there is a misconception regardling long term breeding and the domestication of animals. I personally do not believe that you can in hundreds or thousands of years breed domesticated reptiles and some other animals.
First, reptiles have a very elementary brain anatomy. It does not have the higher brain functions found in mammals and humans ( yes I know, we are mammals too). Reptiles do some situational simple problem solving ( getting from one tree to another, how best to jump on your head, etc. ) but for the most part, their behavior is based on instinct, not on rational thought.
Second, taking a look at domesticated animals. Most are mamals with social and nuturing behavior. What breeding does is that it brings out the social predisposition of the animal. Dogs are very social and look for group approval. Cats, also have social groups, but not like dogs. Interacton, acceptance and nuturing are part of these and other animal's natural behavior. There are birds that also form social and interpersonal groups and these traits can be bred overtime to our benefit. Also among some mammals and birds, imprinting is important for the relationship between mother and sibling.
Speaking of cats, cats can become feral, or wild and will not interact with humans. A tame tiger, lion or elephant can suddenly turn back to it's natural behavior, to our detriment.
Reptiles have none of the traits that I have mentioned that attribute themselves to currently domesticated species. If there are any groups of reptiles, it is purely for reproduction and not for needed social interaction.
If we see behavior by our reptile that we think is human in nature, it is because some behaviors are universal among different species, not that it is a sign that our ig or other reptile has human feelings and thoughts. Humans and reptiles are at the opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to instinct vs learned/experiential behavior.
Anyway, if someone would like to debate this, I would be more than happy to support my point - for what it's worth.
Cliff

Follow Ups:

Re: Breeding tame igs and other reptiles....long Morgan 04/25/00 (0)
Re: eh eh......i knew someone was going to say something.... * IGUANA JOE * 04/24/00 (2)
- taking your thought further cwatbay 04/24/00 (1)
  - Re:YES Ingo 04/25/00 (0)

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: I believe that there is a misconception regardling long term breeding and the domestication of animals. I personally do not believe that you can in hundreds or thousands of years breed domesticated reptiles and some other animals. : First, reptiles have a very elementary brain anatomy. It does not have the higher brain functions found in mammals and humans ( yes I know, we are mammals too). Reptiles do some situational simple problem solving ( getting from one tree to another, how best to jump on your head, etc. ) but for the most part, their behavior is based on instinct, not on rational thought. : Second, taking a look at domesticated animals. Most are mamals with social and nuturing behavior. What breeding does is that it brings out the social predisposition of the animal. Dogs are very social and look for group approval. Cats, also have social groups, but not like dogs. Interacton, acceptance and nuturing are part of these and other animal's natural behavior. There are birds that also form social and interpersonal groups and these traits can be bred overtime to our benefit. Also among some mammals and birds, imprinting is important for the relationship between mother and sibling. : Speaking of cats, cats can become feral, or wild and will not interact with humans. A tame tiger, lion or elephant can suddenly turn back to it's natural behavior, to our detriment. : Reptiles have none of the traits that I have mentioned that attribute themselves to currently domesticated species. If there are any groups of reptiles, it is purely for reproduction and not for needed social interaction. : If we see behavior by our reptile that we think is human in nature, it is because some behaviors are universal among different species, not that it is a sign that our ig or other reptile has human feelings and thoughts. Humans and reptiles are at the opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to instinct vs learned/experiential behavior. : Anyway, if someone would like to debate this, I would be more than happy to support my point - for what it's worth. : Cliff

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