What kind of wolves did dogs descend from? - briefly
Dogs are believed to have descended primarily from gray wolves (Canis lupus), with some evidence suggesting that other species such as the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) may also be involved in their evolutionary history.
What kind of wolves did dogs descend from? - in detail
Dogs, as we know them today, are believed to have descended from a specific lineage of ancient wolves. The precise taxonomic classification of these ancestral wolves is still a topic of ongoing research and debate among scientists. However, recent genetic studies and fossil evidence have shed light on the possible origins of dogs.
Modern dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) share a close evolutionary relationship with gray wolves (Canis lupus). This suggests that the lineage leading to modern dogs diverged from that of the gray wolf at some point in the past. The exact timing and circumstances of this divergence are not fully understood, but it is believed to have occurred tens of thousands of years ago.
Genetic evidence indicates that dogs and wolves share a common ancestor that lived around 15,000 to 40,000 years ago. This common ancestral population likely consisted of wolves that were adapted to living in close proximity to humans. Over time, these wolves underwent selective pressures that favored traits such as tameness and social cooperation, leading to the domestication of dogs.
Fossil records provide further support for the hypothesis that modern dogs descended from a specific lineage of ancient wolves. For example, fossils of early dog-like creatures have been found in various parts of the world, dating back to around 14,000 years ago. These fossils exhibit morphological characteristics that are intermediate between those of modern wolves and dogs, suggesting a gradual transition from wild ancestors to domesticated companions.
In summary, while the exact species of wolf that dogs descended from remains elusive, genetic and fossil evidence strongly suggests that modern dogs share a common ancestry with gray wolves (Canis lupus). The process of domestication likely involved a complex interplay of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors, culminating in the emergence of the diverse array of dog breeds we see today.