Are Dogs or Cats More Closely Related: DNA, Fossil Record, and Behavior

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the evolutionary relationship between humans, dogs, and cats, specifically examining DNA, fossil records, and behavioral traits. It is established that dogs were domesticated before cats and have historically served as working animals, which may influence perceptions of their closeness to humans. However, the inquiry focuses on genetic similarities rather than historical interactions. The conclusion remains that the exact biological relationship is still uncertain, highlighting the need for further research in evolutionary genetics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of evolutionary biology concepts
  • Familiarity with DNA sequencing techniques
  • Knowledge of fossil record analysis
  • Basic comprehension of animal behavior studies
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the genetic similarities between humans and canines using DNA analysis
  • Explore the fossil record of domesticated animals to understand evolutionary timelines
  • Investigate behavioral studies comparing dogs and cats in relation to human interaction
  • Examine the domestication processes of dogs versus cats through historical context
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Biologists, geneticists, anthropologists, and anyone interested in the evolutionary relationships between humans and domesticated animals.

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Are people more closely related to dogs or to cats? Based on behavior I would guess dogs, but what does the DNA say? What about the fossil record? Anybody know?
 
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Historically, dogs would have been more useful than cats. You have all sorts of breeds of working dogs. At best, cats would have been food. Also, I believe dogs were domesticated first when we were hunters.
 
Thank you, but the intention of my question was not about the history of interaction between humans and dogs versus humans and cats, but about evolutionary history and the genetic similarity of the three species. In the sense that humans are more closely related to chimps than we are to jellyfish, are we biologically closer to dogs or to cats? I understand that at this point the answer may be unknown.
 

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