How does the wild yak (*Bos mutus*) differ physically from its domesticated relative (*Bos grunniens*)?
Answer
It is significantly larger, darker in color, and possesses a more formidable horn structure.
The transition from the wild ancestor, *Bos mutus*, to the domestic form involved several key physical alterations driven by human preference and management goals. Specifically, the wild yak maintains several traits associated with raw survival in harsh conditions that were subsequently bred out of the domestic population. Wild yaks are substantially larger and heavier than most domestic counterparts. They are also characterized by a darker coloration and possess horns that are more imposing and formidable, contrasting with the selection pressures favoring utility, smaller size, and manageable behavior in domestic herds.
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