Eli5: Why do domesticated rats have such different fur patterns and colors when compared to Wild rats?

Question

Eli5: Why do domesticated rats have such different fur patterns and colors when compared to Wild rats?

In: 3

Answer 1

Different evolutionary pressures.

All rats have the genetics to create various color schemes randomly.

Wild rats have predation to deal with, a brilliant white rat is an easy target and probably won’t survive long.

Rats in captivity both don’t have those predation pressures AND people are also selecting for pretty colors during breeding so there is more variety being selected *for* and none *against.*

Answer 2

Different evolutionary pressures.

All rats have the genetics to create various color schemes randomly.

Wild rats have predation to deal with, a brilliant white rat is an easy target and probably won’t survive long.

Rats in captivity both don’t have those predation pressures AND people are also selecting for pretty colors during breeding so there is more variety being selected *for* and none *against.*