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The History and Evolution of Dogs Essay

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Throughout the world there are many different countries that contain diverse cultures, religions, and life styles. There is however certain aspects within these countries and cultures that acts as a common ground between one another. One dominant aspect is the existence of dogs within these cultures. Dogs are common throughout the world, either as a domestic pet, a protector on a farm, or an assistant for hunting; amongst others. Regardless of the reason for having a dog most people have either owned one for themselves or has known somebody who has owned one at some point in their life. Despite the relative normality of having a dog in your life in one way or another, the reasons …show more content…

Before a detailed description of how dogs evolved from wolves can be made, an understanding of the process of evolution must first be acquired. The evolutionary process means in basic terms that only the best survive. Animals and plants with better qualities have a better chance of survival; therefore the qualities that allowed them to survive can then be passed on to their offspring. Slowly this plant or animal begins to become different from its ancestors and eventually will become a different species entirely. This form of evolution is known as natural selection (Harris 3). This means that it is the plant or animals natural habitat that is in control of their survival. Another similar but notably different scenario can also take place. This is known as artificial selection. Artificial selection is similar to natural selection in the sense that only the best will live long enough or be able to have offspring and be able to pass on their personnel qualities. The difference is that instead of a natural environment being in control of this, it is instead humans who are in control. Humans pick which individual plant or animal they feel has favorable qualities and will only breed those particular individuals, so over time those qualities are passed on from generation to generation and eventually will become a new species much like the phenomenon that occurs in natural selection

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