How did dogs come from wolves?
This is my genius hour project, thanks to Aunt Amy. The genius hour project came from Google. They had their workers come up with questions and had them research the question. Well that was a pretty good idea so schools did something like that.
There are two hypothesis. The first one is that our ancestors tamed the wolf.
But that hypothesis has been proven wrong.
The second hypothesis is that the wolves started to eat our garbage and became the modern dog.
You know when humans started building their civilization? Well, they always had garbage dumps and there’s always food for the wolves. Humans always come and go, so there’s not enough time for the wolves to get food. So the wolves finally gave up. That’s called flight distance instinct. But there’s another group of wolves that could go near, but not so close, to humans, so they were more successful in getting scraps of meat. That’s called less flight distance instinct. They kept on marrying and marrying after generations passed by. They became the proto-wolf. Their appearance changed because they didn’t need to hunt big animals like deer. So they became smaller with smaller snouts and they could eat starch, unlike wolves. They kept on marrying, marrying until they became the modern dog. If you look at a dog compared to a wolf, they look different. But they do have things in common.
Hi Rachel!
So fascinating! I’ve never heard of the flight distance instinct. I bet there are tons of examples of it—it makes so much sense. It is so amazing how we adapt in order to survive… Do you know if dogs such as huskies are more closely related to wolves?
Did you enjoy your Genius Hour project? What were your challenges and successes? Did you have plans for any additional forms of artwork as a way to share your learning? I could see you writing a poem or creating a wolf/dog sculpture that would be just fabulous… (Paper mache is super easy—use ripped up paper (newspaper, magazines, copy paper), glue water and some kind of armature (balloons, tin foil scrunched up, paper towel rolls etc.) and then paint…). Let me know if you would like my recipe:).
What is your favorite breed of dog? Is Foxy a German Shepard? Have you read any books written by Jack London? My favorites are Call of the Wild and White Fang. I think you’d really like them—especially White Fang (about a puppy that is a wolf-dog).
Do you have a plan for another Genius Hour project? Please share!
xO!
Aunt Amy
PS: I’ve taken pictures of flowers and trees in our neighborhood to share with you. I will email them soon.
hi Aunt Amy.
The Shiba Inu and the Chow Chow are two of the dogs closest to wolves. Yes Foxy is a German shepherd. We are maybe going to find a mate for foxy so we can have puppies. She is a great dog.
I actually have the hard cover book white fang but I haven’t read it yet. Thanks for reminding me, it can be next book. Have you read The Familiars? It is one of my favorites.
Yes I have a idea of a genius hour project. 1.How do birds fly? 2. How are foxes and wolves related?
Thanks Aunt Amy for commenting. Miss you!
Rachel, I commented on your post days ago, but for some reason it didn’t show up. Maybe I hit the wrong button. Here’s my comment:
Great project! It’s an intriguing question. I had no idea there were two hypothesis on this subject. You provide a convincing explanation of the “garbage” hypothesis. The drawing helps too, and the photos and especially the captions are spot on! Great job!
-Uncle Tony