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Originally Posted by wilthrill  But pretty much every trait that I can think of is related somehow to survival of the species. So how is the genetic disposition to fetch a stick in any way related to survival and if it isn't then why does it exist? |
Probably not the fetching of the stick that makes it a survival issue. Maybe just the playful nature of the dog in general.
Over the past 2000 years or so that humans have kept pets in residential areas, The genetic playful friendly Labs were bred and kept around. While the mean dogs stayed wild.
SO, I guess if im trying to answer your question, I would have to say that human selection of playful Labs is the reason they do that today; as opposed to ancient times when Labs probably didnt' do that.
(or maybe im completely wrong. )