Megan+N.

=**Wikipost #1**=

**The Warrior Gene**- the rage, risk and anger gene
media type="custom" key="25583508" What it is A variant of the MAO-A gene on the X-chromosome, known as the warrior gene, is one of the genes that plays a role in in behavioral responses. This variant reduces the function in the MAO-A gene, which studies have linked with increased risk-taking and aggressive behavior. Men are more likely to be influenced by this, as they only have one X-chromosome. While women have to X chromosomes are likely to have at least one properly functioning gene. There have not been many studies done on the presence of the warrior gene in women.

Testing Tests can be done to see if an individual has this trait. You can purchase a DNA test kit consisting of vials and swabs, designed for use of one person only. Tubes contain fluid designed to halt the growth of bacteria, so that once you have swabbed the inside of your cheek, the kit can be returned months later and still remain fresh.

Tests are done by looking for an absence of MAOA (monoamine oxidase A) on the X-chromosomes. It is detected by patterns noticed on the chromosome, three repeats of the pattern indicates that the warrior gene is present. 3.5 to 5 repeats of the pattern indicates a normal gene.





Results obtained from a male would only have one result listed. The only value indicative of the warrior gene is a value of 3.

Happiness In August of 2012, a study indicated that this may be a happiness gene in women. Women who carry one copy of the gene have been shown to be happier than women with no copy of the gene.

Further Reading [|The Warrior Gene: Aggressive traits] [|“Warrior Gene” Predicts Aggressive Behavior After Provocation] [|Just In: A Gene That Makes Women Happy] [|Born to Rage: Inside the Warrior Gene]

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=Wikipost #2=

The Evolution of the German Shepherd
German shepherds are widely known for being loyal, brave, and intelligent. They make very good companions, and service dogs.



**History**
The german shepherd was 'created' in 1899 by Max von Stephanitz in Germany and was created to be a working dog. After World War I had finished, it was believed that the use of the word "German" in the dogs' breed would make them unpopular, so their name was changed to Alsatian Wolf Dog by the UK Kennel Club (//such good people).// However, there was controversy over this name as well. With the word 'wolf' in the title, people worried that this would also cause the breed to be unpopular. The name was then shortened to Alsatian. And then in 1977, dog enthusiasts campaigned for the Kennel Club to change the name back to German Shepherd, which they did.

**The Modern Breed**
Von Stephanitz believed that the breed should be bred for intelligence and working ability. He also believed that the should be bred to eliminate defects quickly. The modern German Shepherd is now being criticized for swaying from that ideology. German Shepherd breed clubs are having a bit of a problem with the UK Kennel Club. The dogs that the Kennel Club wants to see are the one who have been bred to have sloping backs. This is an issue because it causes the dogs to have poor gait in the hind legs. The documentary //Pedigree Dogs Exposed// described the Shepherds as "half dog, half frog"

German Shepherds are well-known for their work as police dogs. They are used for tracking, patrolling, detecting and holding suspect. They are also used in the military to warn soldiers of enemies, booby traps and other hazards at hand. They are also used for search and rescue, narcotics detection, explosive detection, mine detection... basically they're good at detecting things. Working German Shepherds also exhibit the trait of having a straight back, unlike the show dogs. **Health** These dogs can suffer from many different health issues.Hip and elbow dysplasia affects millions of dogs each year. This is common in show dogs, and happens when the femoral head does not fit properly into the hip socket. It causes instability of the joint and can cause pain and immobility. They can also suffer from oesteochondrosis dissecans which is a degeneration of bone underlying the cartilage layer of joints. They an also suffer from heart disease such as aortic stenosis, atrioventracular valve dysplasia, pulmonic stenosis, dialated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and inherited sudden cardiac death.
 * The Working Dog**

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Video Showing The Evolution of German Shepherds
 * Further Reading**
 * [|Health Problems]**
 * [|Kennel Club Breed Standard]**
 * [|Danny The RCMP Dog]**
 * [|So Loyal]**

http://www.germanshepherdrescue.co.uk/german-shepherd-history.html http://www.thegermanshepherd.org/breed-history-of-the-german-shepherd/early-breeding-in-the-united-states.html http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/display.aspx?id=5106 http://www.nsgsdc.com/breedhistory.shtml
 * Sources**