Do domestic pigs grow hair and tusks if they go wild?

It's a common misconception that domestic pigs will instantly grow hair and tusks if they go wild. While there is some truth to the idea that feral pigs develop some wild traits, it's not as dramatic as often portrayed. Here's why:

* Selective Breeding: Domestic pigs have been bred for centuries to be docile, have less hair, and smaller tusks. These traits are advantageous for farming, making them easier to manage and slaughter.

* Genetics: While domestic pigs have the genes for hair and tusks, these genes are less expressed due to selective breeding. Their wild ancestors had thicker fur and larger tusks for survival in the wild.

* Environmental Factors: The environment plays a major role. Feral pigs, living in harsher conditions, may develop thicker coats and slightly larger tusks compared to their domesticated counterparts.

* Not a Transformation: They don't instantly grow a thick coat and huge tusks like a mythical creature. The changes are gradual and influenced by their environment and genetic potential.

In short: Domestic pigs, even if feral, will not become exact replicas of wild boars. They may exhibit some changes in hair and tusk size due to environmental pressures and their genetic potential, but they won't undergo a complete transformation.