Dogs & Humans
Parallel evolution
A team of scientist compared the genes in dogs and humans. Both species under- went similar changes in the genes responsible for digestion and metabolism. Those changes could be due to a dramatic shift in the proportion of animal versus plant-based foods that occurred in both at around the same time. The also found co-evolution in several brain processes, especially those effecting serotonin. It seems that human and canine anatomy and physiology evolved parallel to each other.
There are many websites devoted to individual breeds of domestic canines. Instead of revisiting each breed, we will instead look at the origins of the domestic canine and explore issues affecting differing types of domestic dogs. (This is an ongoing process, keep checking back for more information on domestic canines.)
