The idea of chickens being "uplifted" likely comes from speculative fiction, particularly the concept of "uplift" introduced by science fiction writer David Brin. In Brin's Uplift Universe, species are biologically enhanced to achieve higher levels of intelligence by already intelligent beings (Brin, 1980). However, in reality, chickens are not the only species that have been selectively bred for specific traits.
Selective breeding has been applied to many species, both plants and animals, to enhance desirable characteristics. Chickens, for example, have been bred for improved meat production, egg-laying capabilities, and specific physical traits (Siegel, 2014). Similarly, dogs have been selectively bred for various functions, such as herding, hunting, and companionship, resulting in a wide variety of breeds with distinct abilities and characteristics (Serpell, 1995).
In the context of intelligence or cognitive abilities, there are projects involving various animals. For instance, there are ongoing studies with dolphins, primates, and even cephalopods like octopuses to understand and potentially enhance their cognitive abilities (Marino, 2010). The concept of "uplifting" animals to human-like intelligence remains largely in the realm of science fiction, but the idea of enhancing or modifying species for specific purposes is a well-established practice in agriculture, science, and pet breeding (Ridley, 1996).
### References
Brin, D. (1980) *Sundiver*. New York: Bantam Books.
Marino, L. (2010) ‘Brain structure and intelligence in cetaceans’, *Current Directions in Psychological Science*, 19(2), pp. 126-130.
Ridley, M. (1996) *The origins of virtue: Human instincts and the evolution of cooperation*. London: Viking.
Serpell, J. (1995) *The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour, and Interactions with People*. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Siegel, P. B. (2014) ‘Evolution of the modern broiler and feed efficiency’, *Annual Review of Animal Biosciences*, 2, pp. 375-385.
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