Regina writes
>In a nutshell, it appears that the behavioral traits we had selectively
>bred for in animals are linked to the white markings on an animal's coat.
 
I recall Bob Church has discussed this before, though I don't remember if
it was on this list or the Ferret Health List.  He talked about something
referred to as the "Star gene", in which white markings on the head (as
well as other changes) are linked to domestication.
 
Fortunately, one of the other apparently linked traits mentioned in the
article, floppy ears, has not shown up in ferrets yet! :-)
 
Linda Iroff
Oberlin OH
[Posted in FML issue 4043]