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How do dogs recognise another animal is also a dog when there is such vast array of canine shapes and sizes? And why can’t we conjure up smell and touch in our heads, but we can “listen” to music when nothing is coming through our ears?

19 July 2023

Big dog meets small dog; Shutterstock ID 2045462630; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Sue Thatcher/Shutterstock

How do dogs recognise that another animal is also a dog when there is such a vast array of canine shapes and sizes?

Justin Baker,

Melbourne, Australia

Various disco, soul and funk, seven inch records at second hand store.

Richard Newstead/Getty Images

Why can’t we conjure up smell and touch in our heads, but we can “listen” to music when nothing is coming through our ears?

John Howes,

Cardiff, UK

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address,…

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