The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication By: Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
In this groundbreaking work, Charles Darwin explores the fascinating world of domestication and its effects on animal and plant species. Through meticulous observation and careful study, Darwin uncovers the ways in which humans have shaped the evolution of various organisms through selective breeding and other practices. Darwin's detailed analysis of domesticated animals and plants provides valuable insights into the principles of heredity and variation, shedding light on the mechanisms that drive biological diversity. His meticulous documentation of specific examples, such as the breeding of pigeons and dogs, showcases the power of artificial selection in altering the characteristics of living organisms. While Darwin's focus on domestication may seem narrow, the implications of his research are far-reaching. By demonstrating the potential for humans to influence the evolution of other species, Darwin offers a compelling argument for our role in shaping the natural world. Overall, The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication is a thought-provoking and illuminating read that will appeal to anyone with an interest in biology, genetics, or the history of science. Darwin's keen observations and insightful analysis make this book a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. First Page: THE VARIATION OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS UNDER DOMESTICATION BY CHARLES DARWIN, M.A., F.R.S., ETC. IN TWO VOLUMES VOLUME I. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. During the seven years which have elapsed since the publication in 1868 of the first edition of this Work, I have continued to attend to the same subjects, as far as lay in my power; and I have thus accumulated a large body of additional facts, chiefly through the kindness of many correspondents. Of these facts I have been able here to use only those which seemed to me the more important. I have omitted some statements, and corrected some errors, the discovery of which I owe to my reviewers. Many additional references have been given. The eleventh chapter, and that on Pangenesis, are those which have been most altered, parts having been re modelled; but I will give a list of the more important alterations for the sake of those who may possess the first edition of this book. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. CHAPTER 1.I. DOMESTIC DOGS AND CATS. ANCIENT VARIETIES OF THE DOG RESEMBLANCE OF DOMESTIC DOGS IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES TO NATIVE CANINE SPECIES ANIMALS NOT ACQUAINTED WITH MAN AT FIRST FEARLESS DOGS RESEMBLING WOLVES AND JACKALS HABIT OF BARKING ACQUIRED AND LOST FERAL DOGS TAN COLOURED EYE SPOTS PERIOD OF GESTATION OFFENSIVE ODOUR FERTILITY OF THE RACES WHEN CROSSED DIFFERENCES IN THE SEVERAL RACES IN PART DUE TO DESCENT FROM DISTINCT SPECIES DIFFERENCES IN THE SKULL AND TEETH DIFFERENCES IN THE BODY, IN CONSTITUTION FEW IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES HAVE BEEN FIXED BY SELECTION DIRECT ACTION OF CLIMATE WATER DOGS WITH PALMATED FEET HISTORY OF THE CHANGES WHICH CERTAIN ENGLISH RACES OF THE DOG HAVE GRADUALLY UNDERGONE THROUGH SELECTION EXTINCTION OF THE LESS IMPROVED SUB BREEDS... Continue reading book >>

The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication By: Charles Darwin (1809-1882)

In this groundbreaking work, Charles Darwin explores the fascinating world of domestication and its effects on animal and plant species. Through meticulous observation and careful study, Darwin uncovers the ways in which humans have shaped the evolution of various organisms through selective breeding and other practices.

Darwin's detailed analysis of domesticated animals and plants provides valuable insights into the principles of heredity and variation, shedding light on the mechanisms that drive biological diversity. His meticulous documentation of specific examples, such as the breeding of pigeons and dogs, showcases the power of artificial selection in altering the characteristics of living organisms.

While Darwin's focus on domestication may seem narrow, the implications of his research are far-reaching. By demonstrating the potential for humans to influence the evolution of other species, Darwin offers a compelling argument for our role in shaping the natural world.

Overall, The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication is a thought-provoking and illuminating read that will appeal to anyone with an interest in biology, genetics, or the history of science. Darwin's keen observations and insightful analysis make this book a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

First Page:

THE VARIATION OF

ANIMALS AND PLANTS

UNDER DOMESTICATION

CHARLES DARWIN, M.A., F.R.S., ETC.

IN TWO VOLUMES

VOLUME I.

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

During the seven years which have elapsed since the publication in 1868 of the first edition of this Work, I have continued to attend to the same subjects, as far as lay in my power; and I have thus accumulated a large body of additional facts, chiefly through the kindness of many correspondents. Of these facts I have been able here to use only those which seemed to me the more important. I have omitted some statements, and corrected some errors, the discovery of which I owe to my reviewers. Many additional references have been given. The eleventh chapter, and that on Pangenesis, are those which have been most altered, parts having been re modelled; but I will give a list of the more important alterations for the sake of those who may possess the first edition of this book.

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION.

CHAPTER 1.I.

DOMESTIC DOGS AND CATS.

ANCIENT VARIETIES OF THE DOG RESEMBLANCE OF DOMESTIC DOGS IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES TO NATIVE CANINE SPECIES ANIMALS NOT ACQUAINTED WITH MAN AT FIRST FEARLESS DOGS RESEMBLING WOLVES AND JACKALS HABIT OF BARKING ACQUIRED AND LOST FERAL DOGS TAN COLOURED EYE SPOTS PERIOD OF GESTATION OFFENSIVE ODOUR FERTILITY OF THE RACES WHEN CROSSED DIFFERENCES IN THE SEVERAL RACES IN PART DUE TO DESCENT FROM DISTINCT SPECIES DIFFERENCES IN THE SKULL AND TEETH DIFFERENCES IN THE BODY, IN CONSTITUTION FEW IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES HAVE BEEN FIXED BY SELECTION DIRECT ACTION OF CLIMATE WATER DOGS WITH PALMATED FEET HISTORY OF THE CHANGES WHICH CERTAIN ENGLISH RACES OF THE DOG HAVE GRADUALLY UNDERGONE THROUGH SELECTION EXTINCTION OF THE LESS IMPROVED SUB BREEDS... Continue reading book >>

Book sections
The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication	The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication — Volume 2	The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Vol. I.
The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Volume II (of 2)

Genres for this book
Animals
Science

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