The Human-Influenced Evolution of Dogs

Seed Magazine ^ | 18 July 2006 | Emily Anthes

[PatrickHenry]

This is a thread about evolution. I'm hoping -- perhaps in vain -- that everyone won't pile in to post cutsy pics of your dogs.

[PatrickHenry]

Evolution Ping The List-O-Links

A conservative, pro-evolution science list, now with over 380 names. See the list's explanation, then FReepmail to be added or dropped. To assist beginners: But it's "just a theory", Evo-Troll's Toolkit, and How to argue against a scientific theory.

[white trash redneck]

Dogs that would have otherwise died in the wild would have survived because humans would have allowed them to

As the owner of four chihuahuas I can only say "Amen!"

[muawiyah]

So far it's just another thread about extreme variation within a single species.

For all we know the variation arises out of DNA mythelation and not from genetic change.

In any case, anyone have an idea on which chromosome we'll find the gene that prevents chihuahua dogs from being permanently toilet trained? Those little suckers FORGET.

[MeanWestTexan]

"that everyone won't pile in to post cutsy pics of your dogs"

That's an invitation to Helen Thomas pics.

[llevrok]

Dogs that would have otherwise died in the wild

Dogs doing jobs cats don't want to do....

[ClearCase_guy]

Genetic diversity, in this instance, seems to be result of a series of interventions by a series of intelligent designers.

Good info.

[Junior]

But they're still wolves.

No, wait...

[sully777]

I don't know if the diversity of dogs represents evolution or selective breeding from man, but I have known dogs and cats to possess individual, unique personality traits and intelligence that are far beyond what the Bible calls voided minds of brute beasts.

[PatrickHenry]

So far it's just another thread about extreme variation within a single species.

That's exactly how speciation begins. Quite in accordance with the theory of evolution.

[colorcountry]

The diversity of dog breeds can be attributed to the 48 pair of chromosomes in comparison to the 22 pair found in humans.

[Lurking Libertarian]

So far it's just another thread about extreme variation within a single species. For all we know the variation arises out of DNA mythelation and not from genetic change.

From the article:

"Within a single species you have this tremendous range of morphological variation, all this diversity — head shape, body shape, coat color, length — and a tremendous amount of variation in behavior," said Leonid Kruglyak, a geneticist at Princeton University. "Where does all this come from? The parent species, which is the wolf, doesn't show this diversity."

[two134711]

This isn't merely evolution; it's intelligently designed evolution. :-)

[MarkeyD]

[2nsdammit]

"DNA mythelation"


....OK, I give up. What is this?

[AntiGuv]

Very interesting article but I would note that humans are just as much a part of nature as are dogs.

[lesser_satan]

The parent species, which is the wolf, doesn't show this diversity.

But humans probably interbred wolves with coyotes, dingos, foxes, and other canine species.

[f zero]

Genetic mutation keeps our pup from drowning in the mud thanks to those webbed feet

[MarkeyD]

WTF?

[CobaltBlue]

My fat, fluffy, spoiled kitty-cat couldn't survive in the wild, either. I think she'd starve to death rather than dine on mice, waiting for someone to bring her the kibble.