Canine Evolution: From Wolves to Dogs in Comparison to Human Evolution

In summary, the conversation discusses the difference in evolution time between dogs and humans. It is stated that while it took hundreds of thousands of years for humans to evolve from homo erectus to homo sapien, it only took 20-50,000 years for wolves to evolve into dogs. This is due to the fact that dog evolution was driven by artificial selection, where specific traits were bred for, while human evolution followed a more natural course. Additionally, the shorter generation time of dogs, around 3-10 years, also contributed to their faster evolution compared to humans, with a generation time of 15-25 years.
  • #1
wasteofo2
478
2
It's commonly stated that all dogs are descended of wolves, and that it took anywhere from 20-50,000 years for a wolf to evolve into a shit-zu, yet it took hundreds of thousands of years for homo erectus to evolve into homo sapien...

Someone explain this...
 
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  • #2
It is easy. Human evolution took longer because it follow a more natural course of event. The dog evolution was faster because their evolution was done by artificial selection. For example, to get a small dog you only breed the smallest dog together until you obtain the size you want. So it took less generation to obtain specific characteristic than human. Also, in term of year, a dog generation time is also smaller than human. 3-10 years for dogs and 15-25 years for human.
 
  • #3
Oh man, I cannot believe i overlooked the difference in generation time, I feel really stupid now...
 

1. How did wolves evolve into dogs?

The evolution of wolves into dogs is a complex process that occurred over thousands of years. It is believed that wolves were domesticated by humans through selective breeding for traits that were desirable for hunting, guarding, and companionship. Over time, these wolves evolved into the domesticated dogs we know today.

2. What physical changes occurred during the evolution of wolves to dogs?

During the evolution of wolves to dogs, physical changes such as smaller size, changes in coat color and texture, and changes in jaw and skull shape occurred. These changes were a result of selective breeding and adaptation to a new environment as dogs became domesticated.

3. When did the evolution of wolves to dogs take place?

The exact timing of the evolution of wolves to dogs is still a subject of debate among scientists. However, recent studies suggest that the domestication process began around 15,000 years ago, but the timeline may vary depending on the geographic region and specific dog breeds.

4. Did all wolves evolve into dogs?

No, not all wolves evolved into dogs. Some wolves remained wild and continued to thrive in their natural habitats. It is estimated that only a small percentage of wolves were domesticated and evolved into dogs.

5. Are dogs still evolving?

Yes, dogs are still evolving. As they continue to live alongside humans and adapt to modern environments, they are undergoing further changes. Additionally, selective breeding by humans has also played a role in the continued evolution of dogs, resulting in new breeds and physical variations.

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