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Comment by jessaustin

Every domesticated animal is like this. (I'm not including animals like e.g. goldfish because ISTM there important ways in which they are not domesticated.) The other important aspect is that members of any particular species or lineage within a species have largely the same behaviors. Training and experience might add useful behaviors, but they don't completely eliminate existing behaviors.

For instance, cattle have a way of existence in which they are comfortable. (They really don't like anyone directly behind them, but off the rear quarter is tolerable. Structure like a fence or a road makes it easier for them to walk in a straight line. A single animal might be comfortable in isolation most of the time, but will seek to join a group when stressed. A path that is comfortable at a given speed will not be followed at a higher speed. Etc.) One person who understands that way and is willing to work within it can move a large herd more quickly and easily than twenty ignorant people.

ISTM human beings are also "domesticated", although they display a broader range of interesting behaviors than other domesticated animals do.

parent jessaustin 7 years ago

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