Morphology does not covary with predicted behavioural correlations of the domestication syndrome in dogs

摘要: Abstract Domesticated animals display suites of altered morphological, behavioural and physiological traits compared to their wild ancestors, a phenomenon known as the domestication syndrome (DS). Because these alterations are observed co-occur across wide range present day domesticates, within DS assumed covary species single developmental mechanism has been hypothesized cause co-occurrence. However, due lack formal testing it is currently not well-resolved if actually covary. Here we test hypothesis that presence classic morphological white pigmentation, floppy ears curly tails predict strength correlations in support 78 dog breeds. Contrary expectations covariation among traits, found did themselves, nor they Further, number breed correlations. Our results thus contrast with arises shared underlying mechanism, but more importantly, questions embedded actual or post-domestication improvement traits. For dogs, seems highly likely strong selection for specific only happened recently relation formation. Present dogs therefore have limited bearing initial pressures applied during should reevaluate our accordingly.