Who is the ancestor of the dog according to Charles Darwin's hypothesis? - briefly
According to Charles Darwin's hypothesis, the ancestor of the dog is believed to be the gray wolf (Canis lupus). This hypothesis suggests that dogs were domesticated from wolves over thousands of years through selective breeding by humans.
Who is the ancestor of the dog according to Charles Darwin's hypothesis? - in detail
According to Charles Darwin's groundbreaking theory of evolution by natural selection, the ancestor of the domestic dog is believed to be the gray wolf (Canis lupus). This hypothesis was presented in Darwin's seminal work "On the Origin of Species," published in 1859. Darwin proposed that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors, and he suggested that dogs were selectively bred by humans from a common ancestral species to enhance desirable traits such as loyalty, obedience, and various physical characteristics.
Darwin's hypothesis was based on the observation of similarities between wolves and domestic dogs, particularly in their anatomy, behavior, and vocalizations. He noted that wolves and dogs share many physiological traits, including a similar body structure, sharp teeth, and strong jaws designed for hunting and scavenging. Furthermore, both species exhibit social behaviors such as pack hierarchy and communication through body language and vocal cues.
Modern genetic studies have supported Darwin's hypothesis by showing that dogs and wolves share a high degree of genetic similarity. Comparative analysis of their DNA sequences has revealed that the two species diverged relatively recently in evolutionary time, with the domestic dog likely originating from a subset of gray wolves that were tamed and selectively bred by early human societies. This selective breeding process, known as domestication, is believed to have occurred around 15,000-40,000 years ago in various regions across the globe.
In conclusion, Charles Darwin's hypothesis that the gray wolf is the ancestor of the domestic dog has been substantially validated by contemporary scientific research. The genetic and phenotypic similarities between wolves and dogs provide compelling evidence for their close evolutionary relationship, underscoring the profound impact of selective breeding on the development of modern canine species.