A study reveals that selective breeding of flat-faced dogs and cats, such as Pugs and Persians, has led to striking similarities between these two distinct species. Both groups have evolved traits called brachycephalic, characterized by broad skulls and short snouts, resulting in significant health complications including difficulties in breathing and reproduction. The phenomenon of convergence, previously unobserved in domesticated animals, indicates that despite having evolved from different ancestors, these pets now exhibit closer physical characteristics to each other than to their own species, highlighting the impact of human intervention in pet breeding.
The research shows that brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and Persians have evolved to look alike due to human selection, leading to severe health issues.
Both species originally had different ancestors, but extreme selective breeding has resulted in their 'smushed' faces and health problems resembling each other more than their original lineage.
Collection
[
|
...
]