Thousands of years ago, our ancestors, dedicated to hunting elk, horses, and deer, observed how some wolves—a predator with whom they competed for prey—approached their settlements, probably to take advantage of the remains of some carnivorous feast. Among them, the most sociable specimens ended up establishing exceptional bonds with humans. This is how the first dogs emerged, which our whims and needs have transformed into the hundreds of breeds we know today.
During domestication, dogs underwent strong selection for temperament, behavior, and cognitive ability. However, the genetic basis of these abilities is not well understood.
Now, a study conducted by Japanese researchers has found that two… See more