Module 1 - Man's Best Friend Flashcards
Where do dogs originate from?
Dogs are an ancestor of the grey wolf. Modern day wolves also originate from the grey wolf. Dogs have not evolved from the modern wolf.
Why did dogs replace wolves in early human settlements?
Dogs are opportunists and drawn to food. They replaced wolves because wolves distrusted humans and the dogs gravitated towards humans because of the availability of food.
When did humans and dogs start bonding, according to research?
Around 15,000 years ago. There are theories of this, but no science-based evidence to back this up.
Why have dog genetics become completely entangled?
Because of 19th-century experimentation and deliberate cross-breeding.
Why did 19th-century humans cross-breed dogs?
To create a completely new breed to suit their needs.
Why did humans perform repeated breeding?
To enhance or reduce specific features.
What actions altered a dog’s DNA
Ramdom dog-breeding by their own actions and inter-species breeding with wolves.
What mating practice do wolves exhibit?
Pair-bonding and mate for life.
What does a wolf-pack consist of?
The pack is offspring of the pair bonded couple only. No other wolves.
Do dogs pair-bond?
No, not unless this is facilitated artificially by breeders.
Does a female dog only mate with one partner?
No. She will mate with several dogs. Often straight after each other while she is in season.
Does a male dog only mate with one partner?
No. Males are permisques and seek out any female to mate with.
Is a wolf outgoing in the way that dogs are?
No. They are shy and suspicious of other wolves and humans.
Are dogs and wolves the same animal?
No. No matter how they are raised, they have separate traits, characteristics and behaviours.
Is a dog a pack animal the same as a wolf is?
No. The wolf pack is a family structure. Domestic and feral dogs collect in unconnected groups.
What is artificial selection in dogs?
Persistent breeding in dogs to create specific looks, behaviours and characteristics. It is specific and intentional.
How many olfactory receptors does a dog have?
The average dog has 220 million. Dogs bred for sniffing can have up to 300 million scent receptors.
Why do sniffer dogs tend to have long ears?
The ears help capture and trap the scent more effectively.
What is the dog’s jacobson’s organ?
A unique area in the dog’s nose solely for detecting hormones and pheromones unique to reproduction.
Can dogs see in the dark better than humans can?
No. They can see much the same as us, but they can see movement better than static objects.
