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Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to construct a homology map to analyse the extent of evolutionary conservation of chromosome segments between human and rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus, 2n = 44). Chromosome-specific probes were established by bivariate fluorescence activated flow sorting followed by degenerate oligonucleotide-primed PCR (DOP-PCR). Painting of rabbit probes to human chromosomes and vice versa allowed a detailed analysis of the homology between these species. All rabbit chromosome paints, except for the Y paint, hybridized to human chromosomes. All human chromosome paints, except for the Y paint, hybridized to rabbit chromosomes. The results obtained revealed extensive genome conservation between the two species. Rabbit chromosomes 12, 19 and X were found to be completely homologous to human chromosomes 6, 17 and X, respectively. All other human chromosomes were homologous to two or sometimes three rabbit chromosomes. Many conserved chromosome segments found previously in other mammals (e.g. cat, pig, cattle, Indian muntjac) were also found to be conserved in rabbit chromosomes.

a b s t r a c tThere is a widespread belief that interaction with an animal is beneficial for the development of children, and several studies (most with methodological shortcomings) have investigated the influence of (companion) animals on the social-emotional and cognitive development of children. In this article, the 1984 model of Professor Jay Belsky has been used to describe which variables influence the development of children and how the companion animal-child interaction influences these variables. The value of the AAA/AAT (Animal Assisted Activities/Animal Assisted Therapy) programmes in children with a wide variety of clinical and social problems, such as behaviour problems and autistic spectrum symptoms, is discussed. The findings suggest that (companion) animals positively influence children's development and have a valuable role in therapy.

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