Category: Mammals
Dogs have been domesticated by man longer than other species: genetic evidence tells us that the modern domesticated dog diverged from its extinct Eurasian ancestor around 40,000 years ago! Over this large swath of time, dogs have arrived in their myriad modern forms through a combination of natural selection in feral populations and selective breeding by humans for a vast spectrum of physical, behavioral, and sensory traits. This variety of purpose and temperament can be observed in the multitude of “jobs” and roles dogs fill in human lives, from guardian and helper to guide for the blind – we have shaped their evolution and they have shaped ours.
Related Dog Breeds:
The age-defying Brandt’s bat
In most mammals, larger size correlates with longer lifespan, but that is not the case with the Brandt’s bat, who can live up to 41 years and weigh less than 0.28 ounces! These bats resemble larger, longer-lived mammals in that they mature slowly and have fewer offspring – but the size difference is dramatic: a female Bonobo lives for approximately 40 years as well, but she outweighs the Brandt’s bat by a factor of 3,771! Oddly enough, it is suspected that the mutated gene that causes the bat’s dwarfish size is the same one that leads to its long lifespan. Studying animals with unusual longevity like the Brandt’s bat does more than just satisfy our curiosity, it could lead to longer, healthier lifespans for humans and other animals!
Learn more >>
Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
