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Letter: Friendly wolves

Published 3 April 2013

From Quentin Macilray

As regards how wolves became domesticated, there is another probable starting point that complements Brian Hare’s explanation (2 March, p 30). Hunters come across an abandoned litter. If they are close enough to base and on the homeward leg, they take the young home for the kids.

Dogs have effectively discovered a new niche. They fill it via rapid evolution, chiefly by neoteny – retaining juvenile characteristics that are useful to humans, such as friendliness, trust and playfulness.

Limassol, Cyprus

Issue no. 2911 published 6 April 2013

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