Science News
Research has found the earliest 'protodogs' actually had larger brains than their wolf relatives, probably a result of adapting to living alongside us, but by 5,000 years ago, that increase had reversed dramatically, and dogs' brains were now 46% smaller than…
🐶 New research suggests dog brains began shrinking at least 5,000 years ago, offering insights into domestication.
🧠 While dog brains are now 32% smaller than wolves', "protodogs" from 35,000 years ago did not show this reduction, suggesting brain size may have initially increased during early domestication.
🐾 A reduction in brain size doesn't mean dogs are less intelligent; it may have re-organized to make them better at reading humans and communicating, according to study author Dr. Thomas Cucchi.
#DogScience #Domestication #CanineEvolution
🧠 While dog brains are now 32% smaller than wolves', "protodogs" from 35,000 years ago did not show this reduction, suggesting brain size may have initially increased during early domestication.
🐾 A reduction in brain size doesn't mean dogs are less intelligent; it may have re-organized to make them better at reading humans and communicating, according to study author Dr. Thomas Cucchi.
#DogScience #Domestication #CanineEvolution
🤯1