The Human-Influenced Evolution of Dogs

Seed Magazine ^ | 18 July 2006 | Emily Anthes

[Lurking Libertarian]

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

I don't think the DNA evidence bears that out, but I'm not an expert in this.

[Brit_Guy]

I've often used the variety found within dogs and the role of selective breeding in evolution discussions. Frankly, given the advancements in medicine I see the human race over the next three generations getting equal diversity (if it hasn't already!). Folk who wouldn't have survived or been able to pass on their genes 20 years ago, now can. That is going to massively widen the gene pool of the human race.

And in my opinion that's a good thing....The fewer variations found within a species, the closer that species is to extinction.

All according to my untrained pop science of course....

[MarkeyD]

If you haven't, you should read "Marley and Me".

[omegatoo]

But they're still wolves.
No, wait...

Actually, they still are...that's why there are still dog/wolf hybrids.

Parent taxa

Genus Canis (dogs, jackals, and wolves)
Species Canis lupus (gray wolf)
Subspecies Canis lupus dingo (dingo)
Subspecies Canis lupus familiaris (dog)

[Dysart]

this should be fun later mark

[bigcat32]

But isn't evolution a fairy tale for Atheists?

[AntiGuv]

That is going to massively widen the gene pool of the human race.

If so, then the gene pool will sharply narrow again once parents can select the traits of their children, since the range of desirable traits is relatively narrow, and narrower than the current range of traits.

[palmer]

I think she'd starve to death rather than dine on mice

Mine catches the mice, brings them inside, drops them in the food dish and then eats the dry food.

[AntiGuv]

That's like asking: Why isn't the sun at the bottom of the Pacific?

[MarkeyD]

Chelsea?

I know, I'm bad.

[CarolinaGuitarman]

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

Humans did not cause any of the genetic variation; they just selected which ones they wanted after the fact.

[CarolinaGuitarman]

"But isn't evolution a fairy tale for Atheists?"

No.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[lesser_satan]

Re-read my post. I wasn't implying that humans were breeding with the canines.

[Shadowfax]

I wonder if our canine friends have conversations like this:

Spot: You know, I have a theory that our human masters may have intervened in our development. That our current condition may have been the result of an "intelligent design," if you will.

Rover: You're an idiot. You're ignoring the mountains of overwhelming scientific evidence that we just evolved completely by ourselves. What are you trying to do - force us all to pray to your human gods? Throw us back into the doggie dark ages before pet salons and canine massages? Your stupid, idiotic ramblings are an insult. Where did you come up with this nonsense? While you were chasing your tail? Did I mention that you're an idiot?

[Redcloak]

Silly... That only happens at night.

[MarkeyD]

Yep, sorry.

[js1138]

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.

Cats only hunt and kill if their mother teaches them.

The survival rate of feral dogs is about five percent. (The percentage that lives long enough to breed)

[bankwalker]

"A lot of the changes over dog evolution would have provided the raw material that humans have used to shape different breeds," Webster said.

Then why didn't they shape them to keep quiet in the middle of the night and let me sleep?

[LIConFem]

"...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."

They don't forget. They just have an odd sense of humor!