Dog

Dog

The dog is a domesticated descendant of wolves. Also called the domestic dog, it was selectively bred during the Late Pleistocene by hunter-gatherers. Dogs and the modern gray wolf share a common ancestor. Dogs were the first species to be domesticated over 14,000 years ago, before the development of agriculture, though genetic studies suggest the domestication process may have begun over 25,000 years ago. Due to their long association with humans, dogs have gained the ability to thrive on a starch-rich diet that would be inadequate for other canids. Dogs have been bred for specific behaviors, sensory abilities, and physical traits. Dog breeds vary widely in shape, size, and color. All dogs have a similar number of bones, although the number can vary with tail length. They also have powerful jaws containing about 42 teeth, and well-developed senses of smell, hearing, and sight. Compared to humans, dogs have a superior sense of smell and hearing, but less acute vision.

Data Source : Wikipedia

• Related Topics:  Extant Late Pleistocene First Appearances, Animal Models, Wolves, Dogs