Dog Class-Test 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the taxonomy of domesticated dogs?

Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Mammalia, Order: Carnivora, Suborder: Caniformia, Family: Canidae

When did canids first arise?

~40 million years ago

What was the first canid called and where was it found?

Prohesperocyon wilsoni, found in what is now southwest Texas

What characteristics qualified it as a canid?

Teeth had the loss of the upper third molar and an enlarged bony bulla Signup and view all the answers

What is a bulla?

A rounded covering over the middle ear Signup and view all the answers

What three subfamilies were canids divided into?

Hesperocyoninae, Borophaginae, Caninae Signup and view all the answers

What are characteristics of Hesperocyoninae?

~39.7-15 MYA, extinct subfamily endemic to North America, comprised 10 recognized genera and 26 recognized species, was the earliest and most primitive branch of the Canidae family Signup and view all the answers

What are characteristics of Borophaginae?

~34-2 MYA, included small omnivores and powerful bear-sized carnivores, earliest member was fox-sized and mostly found in western North America Signup and view all the answers

What are characteristics of Caninae?

~34 MYA-Present, the only living subfamily of Canidae, led to present-day canids, includes 14 genera and 34 species, widely distributed on all continents except Antarctica Signup and view all the answers

What was the original classification of the domestic dog?

Canis familiaris and Canis familiaris domesticus Signup and view all the answers

When was the classification of domestic dog changed, and to what was it changed?

In 1993, reclassified as Canis lupus familiaris Signup and view all the answers

Why was the domestic dog reclassified?

Based on studies of behavior, vocalizations, morphology, and molecular biology Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of domesticated dogs?

Originated from wolves, particularly the Gray Wolf, with mitochondrial DNA sequence less than 0.2% different Signup and view all the answers

When did domestication of dogs from wolves occur?

~30,000 years ago, during the Upper Paleolithic Period Signup and view all the answers

What was going on with civilizations during the Upper Paleolithic period?

Organized human settlements were forming, transitioning from hunting-gathering to more permanent settlements Signup and view all the answers

When and where was the earliest known dog discovered?

~30,000 years ago at Goyet Cave in Belgium Signup and view all the answers

What do paleolithic (proto-dogs) most resemble?

Siberian Husky in appearance, Shepherd dogs in size Signup and view all the answers

True or false: Domestication occurred one way.

False Signup and view all the answers

What different ways could domestication have occurred?

<ol> <li>Prehistoric hunters killed a female wolf and brought home the pups. 2. Less-fearful wolves were attracted to nomadic encampments to scavenge.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What two characteristics were ancient dogs unknowingly selectively bred for?

Decreased flight behavior and increased sociality Signup and view all the answers

What definitive documentation is there of domestication?

5,000 years ago, first evidence of a dog breed appeared in ancient Egyptian artwork Signup and view all the answers

How are older groups of dogs determined?

They show the greatest genetic variability and are most similar to their wolf ancestors Signup and view all the answers

Where and what breeds are considered the oldest ones?

Primarily Asian and African breeds like the Akita and Basenji Signup and view all the answers

What is the Saluki?

Used for hunting, bred for the desert, and used by Bedouin tribes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Taxonomy of Domesticated Dogs

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Suborder: Caniformia
Family: Canidae

Origin of Canids

Canids first appeared approximately 40 million years ago.
The first canid, Prohesperocyon wilsoni, was discovered in present-day southwest Texas.
Key characteristics include the loss of the upper third molar and an enlarged bony bulla.

Bulla Definition

A bulla is a rounded covering over the middle ear, important in canid anatomy.

Canid Subfamilies

Canids are divided into three subfamilies:
- Hesperocyoninae: Thrived around 39.7 to 15 million years ago, primarily in North America, comprised of 10 genera and 26 species.
- Borophaginae: Existed from 34 to 2 million years ago, featured small omnivores to bear-sized carnivores, found mainly in western North America.
- Caninae: Ranging from 34 million years ago to the present, this living subfamily includes 14 genera and 34 species, with a global distribution except Antarctica.

Domestic Dog Classification

Originally classified as Canis familiaris and Canis familiaris domesticus by Carolus Linnaeus in 1758.
In 1993, reclassified to Canis lupus familiaris by the Smithsonian Institution and American Society of Mammalogists based on various studies.

Domestic Dog Origin and Domestication

Domesticated dogs descended from wolves, particularly the Gray Wolf, showing less than 0.2% mitochondrial DNA difference.
The domestication date is around 30,000 years ago, coinciding with Upper Paleolithic human settlements transitioning from hunting-gathering to permanent campsites.

Archaeological Findings

The earliest known dog was found at Goyet Cave in Belgium, dating back 30,000 years.
Paleolithic dogs resembled Siberian Huskies in appearance and shepherd dogs in size.

Nature of Domestication

Domestication is a complex process, not a singular event.
Possible pathways include hunters bringing wolf pups to campsites or less fearful wolves seeking scavenging opportunities with nomadic humans.

Selective Breeding

Ancient dogs were selectively bred for decreased flight response and increased sociality, key traits for tameness.

Historical Documentation

First evidence of dog breeds appears in ancient Egyptian artwork dated to 5,000 years ago.

Genetic Variability and Breeds

Older dog breeds exhibit the greatest genetic variability, reflecting closer ties to wolf ancestors.
Notable ancient breeds include the Akita and Basenji, predominantly found in Asia and Africa.

The Saluki

Bred for hunting in desert conditions, especially by Bedouin tribes.
Known for exceptional stamina and speed, Salukis were bred to hold prey for their masters rather than kill it and possess a uniquely flexible spine.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the taxonomy and history of domesticated dogs with these flashcards. Each card covers key concepts, including origins, classifications, and notable canids. Perfect for dog enthusiasts and students alike!