The interaction of captive animals with humans is a major element in the process of domestication. The degree of tameness of individual animals to a great extent determines the nature of that interaction. The purpose of this chapter is to review what is known about the concept of tameness and its development in captive animals. Genetic and experiential factors contributing to tameness are discussed. The basic premise is that individuals inherit a capacity to be tamed (tameability) and that the experiences each animal has with humans and other animals determines the extent to which its potential tameness is reached. One of the more interesting aspects of tameness is the close linkage of tameness to brain biochemistry. This chapter reviews information demonstrating the relationship of tameness to the serotonergic and catecholamine systems of the brain and the ability to modify the degree of tameness pharmacologically and with brain lesions.

1. Animal roles
2. Birds
3. Brain
4. Domestic animals
5. Domestication
6. Laboratory and experimental animals
7. Lesions
8. Pet ownership
9. Pets and companion animals
10. Wild animals