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Message: <blockquote data-quote="orbitalfreak" data-source="post: 78852" data-attributes="member: 1669">The biggest question here would be whether or not the shapechanged druid (or awakened animal) has their DNA (or respective genetic material) altered in any way.  If the DNA is modified, then breeding between like forms may be possible.There is a possibility of an arguement _against_ the modification of DNA.  From MotW:This seems to suggest that only the Druid's form changes, but that her DNA, her "self," remains the same.  I do not see that a Druid could breed with these animals (unless human and "subject creature" DNA is naturally compatible).Along the same lines, with Awaken Animal, the creature's type does change.  Two possibilites exist here: (1) The creature's DNA is modified, and these modifications might possibly be passed down to future generations; or (2) Due to the now-magical nature of the creature, certain effects no longer affect it; It's DNA is not, however, modified.I like Wippit's reasoning behind the monsters listed and possible parentage thereof; this seems to be in accordance with number (1) above, which is what I'm leaning towards.  The rest of the discussion will _assume_ that (1) is true.If these modifications are genetic, then which are dominant and which are recessive?  Having an awakened wolf will make it more intelligent, but when it breeds, will its or its mate's genes for intelligence dominate?  I am inclined to believe that high intelligence is a recessive trait, and that lower intelligence is dominant.  Think about this:  If high Int was dominant, then when two members of a species mated, the offspring would inherit the higher of the parents Int genes, thereby giving it a better chance to be smarter (this is not a guarantee to be a genius, however.  Random stat generation [representing mutations, manipulations, and luck in DNA combinations] will provide the possibility of even a complete idiot being born to two beings of God-Like Intelligence.)  The result of this would be more and more offspring over generations having higher and higher intelligences, and with UP being the only way to go.Of course, this all assumes that Intelligence can be modified by genetics.  Certainly, certain things affecting thought processes can be determined by genetics.  Mental illnesses are evidence of this, from retardation, to emotional troubles due to chemical imbalances, to neurons grown in such a way as to make a person's memory nearly idetic(sp?) memory.  But what about a person's (or in this case, animal's) capability to have intelligent thought?  I personally do not know if this is dictated by DNA, or if a person's upbringing, or by academic motivation.  If a person's Intelligence is not dictated by DNA, then having intelligent parents will not have an effect on the offspring.  This applies to animals as well as people (unless of course, DNA does dictate intelligence for some creatures).[/essay]Yikes!  I didn't set out to write a 3150 character/480 word essay on the subject.  I didn't even know I had such strong views.  Oh well, that's my opinion.</blockquote>

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