"Dogs are man's best friend." This commonly used saying demonstrates the close, and loving relationship humans and dogs have, thus referring to dogs as, "best friends." However, would
you- readers of this blog, alter your best friend; if he or she did not have the hair colour you prefer, your definition of the perfect sized ears, or an 'outtie' belly button instead of an 'innie'? From my perspective, the thought of wanting to alter the appearance of one's best friend is unethical. Dogs are not the only species that are artificially selected; cows, horses, wolves, wild grasses, roses, orchids, broccoli, cabbage, and more plants and animals are too.
As I learned from the studies of Charles Darwin,
natural selection is the process in nature by which only the organisms that are best adapted to their environment tend to survive and transmit their genetic characteristics to the next generation. However, natural selection is not the only process of evolution that species adapt for...
artificial selection is an invigorating process in today's society that has modified most of our lives.
Artificial selection is the intentional or unintentional reproduction of individuals in a population that have desirable traits. In organisms that reproduce sexually, two adults that possess a desired trait are bred together to create the desired offspring. Although it is not the natural way of evolution, artificial selection is used in the creation of many of the foods we eat, like corn! However, artificial selection has caused controversy and is an intriguing subject for discussion.
Two weeks ago, while I was watching the TLC special, "The World's Strongest Toddler," they featured a three-year-old boy whom had no body fat, and was as strong as a seven-year-old. In the show, they compared him to Belgian Blue Cattle, a.k.a., 'Super Cows'. After researching more about them, I learned that Belgian Blue Cattle are created through artificial selection of
muscular cows. The double muscled gene configures and forms a 'super cow'. Another perfect example of artificial selection is the development of the Heike crab. From accidental artificial selection, a face of a Japanese samurai is imprinted on Heike crabs!
video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVSJNhUhV-4Learning about natural and artificial selection brings us to the question, and matter at hand: Under what circumstances should humans be artificially selecting plants or animals?
Strengths and Advantages of Artificial Selection:On Earth, humans have been preventing species extinction of different plants and animals through preservation in zoos, and wildlife parks. The topic of artificial selection relates to this because it can save endangered species from extinction such as the: prairie dog, whooping crane, grizzly bear, bald eagle, gray wolf, green sea turtle, key deer, Florida panther, Kirtland's warbler, and American alligator. Therefore, artificially breeding species that are unlikely to survive on their own, allows them to survive longer.
Artificial selection is also used to benefit agriculture. Through genetic modification and artificial selection, larger quantities of eggs from chickens, more milk production from cows, and superior strains of corn, wheat, and soybeans were produced. The enhanced quantity and superiority of these 'super-organisms' causes efficiency to humans, and more money.
In addition to this, artificial selection is also beneficial for medicinal purposes. The discovery of stem cell research and manipulation of stem cells has revolutionized medicine forever. Stem cells are able to become and be used as any cell, to replaced damaged ones. Artificial selection can be used to select the best stem cells for researchers to use. Stem cells can eliminate heredity disorders- such as cystic fibrosis, and other diseases.
Thus, artificial selection can be used to benefit the Earth through- protecting endangered species, efficiency, and stem cell research.
Weaknesses and DisadvantagesAlthough artificial selection has its strengths, it has weaknesses too. Referring to its advantage of protecting endangered species, the use of artificial selection can set certain ecosystems to an imbalance, causing the food chain of that ecosystem to change, and every one its organisms to adapt to the change... this could become chaotic or destructive.
The use of artificial selection to enhance and morph agriculture can be dangerous too. It can cause mutations; such as featherless chickens-A cross-breed of a naturally bare neck chicken and a normal boiler chicken. Unfortunately, featherless chickens have experienced difficulties mating and flapping their wings, and been more prone to parasites and mosquitoes. The example of the featherless chicken demonstrates the dangerous possibility for mutation when artificially selecting species.
Mixed dog breeds, also referred to as 'mutts', are just as beautiful as full breed dogs, but are more prone to Canine Hip Dysplasia- abnormal joint structure in dogs, where the articular surfaces of the two hip bones lose contact with each other. This unfortunate malfunction is a con to artificial selection.
Therefore, artificial selection can be a factor of ecosystem destruction, unfortunate mutations of different species, and abnormalities.
Artificial selection is also unethical, because practically forcing an animal, or a plant to reproduce with only certain species, is entrapment. As humans, our morals, and society lead us to believe every one is equal, and all deserve freedom. However, although animals and plants are not humans, and are often thought of as beneath us, is it right to use artificial selection on them? A dog breeder found artificial selection as her 'art'; she said that by manipulating distinct dogs to mate with each other, creating a desired dog provided her creative expression. I'm all for manipulating images, and paints for art, but manipulating innocent animals? I'm not so sure. This brings me to the thought of arranged marriages. Although they are not 'artifically selected', arranged marriages are caused by parents and guardians setting their children up for marriage, whether the children want to or not. I definitely think arranged marriages can work, and sometimes lead to love, and a wonderful marriage. However, I also think arranged marriages could turn into a mess- what if the bride and groom can't stand each other? The bittersweet thought of arranged marriages brings me to my conclusion about artificial selection.
Artificial selection and designer babies-my last blog entry, have their advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, I am against artificial selection and genetic modification of plants and animals for agriculture unless ethical- because many harmful mutations and abnormalities could occur. However, I believe that artificial selection should be used to benefit our world; through reasonable preservation for endangered speicies, and for medicinal purposes- stem cell research. I also believe that some of the uses of artificial selection that see no harm to humanity, or the Earth and it's species such as, the creation of corn, and the breeding of dogs are okay, and can be continued to be used, if reasonable.
In conclusion, artificial selection is reasonable, and bittersweet like designer babies. We just have to be careful when to use them and how.
Sources:
http://www.greenexpander.com/2007/09/21/10-amazing-animals-saved-from-extinction/
http://www.hemmy.net/2007/07/16/belgian-blue-cattle-super-cow-aka-incredible-hulk-cow/
http://www.dogshealth.com/pages/hip.html
muscular cows. The double muscled gene configures and forms a 'super cow'. Another perfect example of artificial selection is the development of the Heike crab. From accidental artificial selection, a face of a Japanese samurai is imprinted on Heike crabs!
