greg@garnet.berkeley.edu (Greg Kuperberg) (12/23/90)
What is the parent species of the domestic dog? If I understand correctly, Canis Familiaris is designated a separate species because it has a separate habitat, not because it is separated from the rest of Canis by a genetic inability to breed. Thus, there should be at least one other species with which the domestic dog can intermingle freely. Is the gray wolf such a species? Is it the sole genetic brother of the dog, or can the dog also intermingle with some other species of wolf or fox? When and where did Homo Sapiens first domesticate dogs? Please send a copy of your reply by e-mail. Thanks in advance. ---- Greg Kuperberg greg@math.berkeley.edu
szabo@crg5.UUCP (Nick Szabo) (01/06/91)
In article <1990Dec23.055209.7722@agate.berkeley.edu> greg@math.berkeley.edu writes: >What is the parent species of the domestic dog? If I understand correctly, >Canis Familiaris is designated a separate species because it has a separate >habitat, not because it is separated from the rest of Canis by a genetic >inability to breed. Is the definition of species "genetic inability to breed" or "practical inability to breed"? I doubt a chihuahua (assuming it could survive in the wild) would mate with a wolf, regardless of genetic or developmental compatability. -- Nick Szabo szabo@sequent.com "If you want oil, drill lots of wells" -- J. Paul Getty The above opinions are my own and not related to those of any organization I may be affiliated with.