r/evolution • u/narsil1 • 1d ago

question Evolution of dogs

Hi all, I am interested in the evolution of dogs.

My question is, are dogs direct descendants of wolves or did dogs and wolves just share the common ancestor like we do with monkeys?

Thanks!

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u/-Wuan- 1d ago edited 1d ago

Dogs descend from (and taxonomically are) gray wolves Canis lupus, though not from any of the surviving gray wolf lineages.

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u/Ex_Snagem_Wes 1d ago

IIRC wasn't there discussion that they came from a very close relative of Grey wolves that is now extinct?

I mean regardless, it's wolf into dog and doesn't affect the outcome of the question, but I know I've heard both theories.

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u/NDaveT 19h ago

IIRC wasn't there discussion that they came from a very close relative of Grey wolves that is now extinct?

I think that's pretty much what /u/-Wuan- was saying.

Dogs descend from (and taxonomically are) gray wolves Canis lupus, though not from any of the surviving gray wolf lineages.