An image of a white fox with black spots on a red leash.

Georgian white Russian domesticated Red Fox by Kayfedewa, CC by 3.0 via Wikimedia

Scientists are studying "domestication syndrome," a process where some seemingly random traits become very common in a domesticated population. These traits include cute faces, floppy ears, spotted fur patterns, and curly tails. People aren't selecting for these traits when they domesticate animals but are instead trying to keep genes that control how tolerant an animal is of people. How could you explain all the other traits becoming more common when a completely different trait is being selected for?

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