Why are Apennine brown bears becoming friendlier?

Apennine brown bears are evolving to be friendlier due to historical human selection, where more aggressive individuals were culled, allowing calmer ones to reproduce.

What physical changes are Apennine bears undergoing?

Apennine bears are developing smaller bodies and unique head and facial features compared to other brown bear populations.

How has human activity affected the Apennine bear population?

Human activity has isolated the Apennine bears and driven the evolution of reduced aggressiveness, but also threatens their genetic diversity.

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Bears Evolving to Be Friendlier Thanks to Humans

5 Jan

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Summary

Apennine bears are evolving smaller bodies and unique facial features.
Genetic changes show reduced aggressiveness in isolated Italian bear population.
Human activity drives both isolation and friendlier bear traits.

Bears Evolving to Be Friendlier Thanks to Humans

In Central Italy, the Apennine brown bear population is undergoing a remarkable evolutionary shift, becoming notably less aggressive and developing smaller body sizes. This isolated species, distinct from other European brown bears for millennia, shows significant changes driven by human interaction and activity.

Scientists have identified specific genetic markers associated with reduced aggressiveness in these bears. This phenomenon is believed to stem from historical human practices of culling more aggressive individuals, inadvertently allowing calmer bears to pass on their genes to subsequent generations.

While this evolution fosters a less conflict-prone relationship with humans, it also raises concerns about the species' long-term survival due to reduced genetic diversity. The study underscores the complex impact of human encroachment on wildlife.