Dog Lovers Take Note- Good Documentary

[leafman60]

PBS has been re-running the two-part, Dogs That Changed the World/ Dogs By Design, series that is very interesting.  It analyzes the origin of the animals and their history with humans.


http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/dogs-that-changed-the-world-introduction/1273/

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/dogs-that-changed-the-world-full-episode-dogs-that-changed-the-world-dogs-by-design/8372/

[fotoguzzi]

I saw both parts, very informative, interesting..

[rodekyll]

They offer some interesting theories about the origins and timeline of the domestication of dogs.  One thing not addressed is how dogs spread to all continents ('cept Antarctica) from a common source in east Asia, 15,000 years ago.  Where does the dingo fit?

[donn]

The biological origin section doesn't mention it, but part of the reason the dog could make that big evolutionary leap so fast - and it works with foxes too, and probably other species - is a phenomenon called neoteny.  Deferred maturation, basically - the dog has more puppy in it, than its wild relatives.  You can see that in the physical features, behavior, etc.  Suppress maturation a little, and you get a whole bunch of traits that help with domestication.

There's plenty of reason to think the same applies to humans, neoteny is part of our evolution.

[redrider90]

Right now the best science says dogs have been with humans for about 40K years. I say dogs have been with around higher functioning primates for a whole lot longer.

[Penderic]

Doggy takes Selfie!  :D



Mans Best Friend .... as a ridding buddy!

[Guzzistajohn]

That was some interesting stuff, thanks for posting it. The diversity of subjects here on WG is GREAT! Although I enjoy motorbikes there's just so much you can say about them.

[bpreynolds]

Thanks so much for posting this.  Me and my wife are about to watch both parts.