Neuropeptides as facilitators of domestication.

Abstract in brief

• Neuropeptides like oxytocin and vasopressin played a key role in domestication by reducing stress and aggression, and promoting positive interactions between humans and animals.
• Research over the past decade shows that oxytocin influences behavior in domestic animals, especially dogs, enhancing human-animal bonding and social responses.
• The study suggests that domestication may have involved selecting animals with heightened oxytocin activity and lowered vasopressin activity, which together contributed to calmer, more social, and less aggressive behaviors.