A study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution reveals that Apennine brown bears in central Italy have evolved to be smaller and less aggressive due to their interactions with humans. This isolated population diverged from other European brown bears 2,000 to 3,000 years ago, leading to distinct phenotypic differences. While human contact has reduced genomic diversity and increased extinction risk, it has also facilitated coexistence by promoting less aggressive behavior. The research highlights the complex relationship between human activities and wildlife conservation, as communities face challenges from rebounding bear populations. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)