Is naturally occuring dwarfism (ie, not genetically manipulated) seen in any other species than our own?

Answer 1

Dwarfism occures rarely in several animals, but it usually is fatal given the environment. There are examples of dwarfs from elephants to lambs (actually there is currently a dwarf lamb that was recently born within the US, don't remember the state), but there are no pure breeding forms found outside of human breeding. 'Small' examples, such as a shetland pony or miniture mammoth, are not actually 'dwarfed' species in the same way as a normally short adult isn't a 'dwarfed' human, just a short one (for instant pygmies aren't dwarfs). Dwarfism is a very specific genetic disorder. I've never heard of a breeding population of an actual dwarf animal species in the wild.

Answer 2

I was always under the impression that Basset hounds were crerated due to a 'dwarfism' mutation in bloodhounds? Whether this constitutes genetic manipulation in your opinion I don't know.

"The structural ramifications of achondroplasia (dwarfism) are of considerable significance in this breed. The more common genetic disorders reported in Basset Hounds include: glaucoma; thrombopathia; von Willebrand’s disease; hypothyroidism; patellar luxation; hip dysplasia; and elbow dysplasia (osteochondritis dissecans, fragmented medial coronoid process, ununited anconeal process). Temperament reflects genetic as well as environmental determinants. Poor temperament is as debilitating as any serious genetic disorder."

Answer 3

Mammoths on small islands north of siberia outlived relatives on continent, because small size gave them more food per capita. That's reason for dwarfism, getting more food per individual.

Answer 4

yes look at birds snakes buffalo and any other animal we have found fossils to prove this some species evolve quicker than others the Galapagos islands sciences are watching animals evolve very quickly discovering new species all the time.

Answer 5

Yep. Strange things happen everyday, we just don't always get to know about them.

Answer 6

think show ponies.