Evolution of Wolves: Difference between revisions
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==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
Wolves (Canis lupus) are iconic apex predators with a fascinating evolutionary history that spans millions of years. Modern wolves belong to the Canidae family, a diverse group of carnivorous mammals that includes domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), coyotes (Canis latrans), and jackals (Canis aureus). These remarkable animals are celebrated for their adaptability, intelligence, and social behavior, which have enabled them to thrive in a variety of habitats across the globe. The evolutionary journey of wolves provides valuable insights into their survival strategies, ecological roles, and complex relationships with humans. Their lineage uncovers a story of resilience and transformation, from ancient ancestors to the apex predators we know today. | Wolves (Canis lupus) are iconic apex predators with a fascinating evolutionary history that spans millions of years. Modern wolves belong to the Canidae family, a diverse group of carnivorous mammals that includes domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), coyotes (Canis latrans), and jackals (Canis aureus). These remarkable animals are celebrated for their adaptability, intelligence, and social behavior, which have enabled them to thrive in a variety of habitats across the globe. The evolutionary journey of wolves provides valuable insights into their survival strategies, ecological roles, and complex relationships with humans. Their lineage uncovers a story of resilience and transformation, from ancient ancestors to the apex predators we know today.br> | ||
[[Image:pexels-photo-682375.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Figure 1. Gray Wolf. Image courtesy of Pixabay via PBS.<ref name=" abc ">[https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/gray-wolf-facts/]</ref>] | |||
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==Section 1 Genetics== | |||
The lineage of wolves traces back to the Miacids, small carnivorous mammals from the late Paleocene and Eocene epochs (approximately 62–33 million years ago). Miacids are considered the ancestors of all modern carnivores, including canids. By the late Miocene (about 10 million years ago), the family Canidae had split into three subfamilies: Hesperocyoninae, Borophaginae, and Caninae, with Caninae being the direct ancestors of modern wolves. | |||
The genus Canis emerged around 2–3 million years ago, marking a significant milestone in wolf evolution. Early species such as Canis lepophagus and Canis edwardii exhibited transitional features between earlier canids and the robust forms of modern wolves. One notable relative, Canis dirus (the dire wolf), coexisted with Canis lupus during the Pleistocene epoch. Dire wolves were specialized predators of large Ice Age megafauna, a diet that ultimately contributed to their extinction as their prey disappeared. Fossil evidence reveals that the evolutionary trajectory of wolves was deeply influenced by their ability to adapt to changing prey and environments, ensuring their survival through multiple climatic upheavals. | |||
Modern wolves belong to the genus Canis, which flourished during the Pleistocene. As Ice Age climates fluctuated, wolves adapted to a variety of habitats, from frigid tundras to temperate forests. Their ability to exploit diverse environments and prey allowed them to thrive across Europe, Asia, and North America. | |||
Wolves' adaptations included long legs for endurance running, powerful jaws for crushing bones, and sharp teeth for slicing flesh. Social behavior, particularly pack hunting, emerged as a key evolutionary trait. This cooperative strategy allowed wolves to take down prey much larger than themselves, such as elk, bison, and moose, ensuring their survival even in harsh conditions. Fossil records indicate that wolves were highly successful during the Ice Age, competing with other apex predators and carving out a significant ecological niche. The genus Canis diversified during this time, giving rise to species that displayed a remarkable ability to adapt to various environmental challenges, setting the stage for the modern wolf's widespread distribution. | |||
Sample citations: <ref name=" abc ">[http://www2.umat.edu.gh/gjt/index.php/gjt/article/viewFile/291/100 Zigli DD, Brew L, Obeng-Denteh W, Kwofie S. On the Application of Homeomorphism on Amoeba Proteus. Ghana Journal of Technology. 2021 Mar 31;5(2):43-7.]</ref> | Sample citations: <ref name=" abc ">[http://www2.umat.edu.gh/gjt/index.php/gjt/article/viewFile/291/100 Zigli DD, Brew L, Obeng-Denteh W, Kwofie S. On the Application of Homeomorphism on Amoeba Proteus. Ghana Journal of Technology. 2021 Mar 31;5(2):43-7.]</ref> | ||
<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3847443/ Bartlett et al.: Oncolytic viruses as therapeutic cancer vaccines. Molecular Cancer 2013 12:103.]</ref> | <ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3847443/ Bartlett et al.: Oncolytic viruses as therapeutic cancer vaccines. Molecular Cancer 2013 12:103.]</ref> | ||
Revision as of 04:11, 13 December 2024
Introduction
Wolves (Canis lupus) are iconic apex predators with a fascinating evolutionary history that spans millions of years. Modern wolves belong to the Canidae family, a diverse group of carnivorous mammals that includes domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), coyotes (Canis latrans), and jackals (Canis aureus). These remarkable animals are celebrated for their adaptability, intelligence, and social behavior, which have enabled them to thrive in a variety of habitats across the globe. The evolutionary journey of wolves provides valuable insights into their survival strategies, ecological roles, and complex relationships with humans. Their lineage uncovers a story of resilience and transformation, from ancient ancestors to the apex predators we know today.br>
[[Image:pexels-photo-682375.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Figure 1. Gray Wolf. Image courtesy of Pixabay via PBS.[1]]
Section 1 Genetics
The lineage of wolves traces back to the Miacids, small carnivorous mammals from the late Paleocene and Eocene epochs (approximately 62–33 million years ago). Miacids are considered the ancestors of all modern carnivores, including canids. By the late Miocene (about 10 million years ago), the family Canidae had split into three subfamilies: Hesperocyoninae, Borophaginae, and Caninae, with Caninae being the direct ancestors of modern wolves.
The genus Canis emerged around 2–3 million years ago, marking a significant milestone in wolf evolution. Early species such as Canis lepophagus and Canis edwardii exhibited transitional features between earlier canids and the robust forms of modern wolves. One notable relative, Canis dirus (the dire wolf), coexisted with Canis lupus during the Pleistocene epoch. Dire wolves were specialized predators of large Ice Age megafauna, a diet that ultimately contributed to their extinction as their prey disappeared. Fossil evidence reveals that the evolutionary trajectory of wolves was deeply influenced by their ability to adapt to changing prey and environments, ensuring their survival through multiple climatic upheavals.
Modern wolves belong to the genus Canis, which flourished during the Pleistocene. As Ice Age climates fluctuated, wolves adapted to a variety of habitats, from frigid tundras to temperate forests. Their ability to exploit diverse environments and prey allowed them to thrive across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Wolves' adaptations included long legs for endurance running, powerful jaws for crushing bones, and sharp teeth for slicing flesh. Social behavior, particularly pack hunting, emerged as a key evolutionary trait. This cooperative strategy allowed wolves to take down prey much larger than themselves, such as elk, bison, and moose, ensuring their survival even in harsh conditions. Fossil records indicate that wolves were highly successful during the Ice Age, competing with other apex predators and carving out a significant ecological niche. The genus Canis diversified during this time, giving rise to species that displayed a remarkable ability to adapt to various environmental challenges, setting the stage for the modern wolf's widespread distribution.
Sample citations: [1]
[2]
A citation code consists of a hyperlinked reference within "ref" begin and end codes.
For multiple use of the same inline citation or footnote, you can use the named references feature, choosing a name to identify the inline citation, and typing [4]
Second citation of Ref 1: [1]
Here we cite April Murphy's paper on microbiomes of the Kokosing river. [5]
Section 2 Microbiome
Include some current research, with a second image.
Here we cite Murphy's microbiome research again.[5]
Conclusion
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Overall, cite at least 5 references under References section.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 [1] Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "abc" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ Bartlett et al.: Oncolytic viruses as therapeutic cancer vaccines. Molecular Cancer 2013 12:103.
- ↑ Lee G, Low RI, Amsterdam EA, Demaria AN, Huber PW, Mason DT. Hemodynamic effects of morphine and nalbuphine in acute myocardial infarction. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 1981 May;29(5):576-81.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 text of the citation
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Murphy A, Barich D, Fennessy MS, Slonczewski JL. An Ohio State Scenic River Shows Elevated Antibiotic Resistance Genes, Including Acinetobacter Tetracycline and Macrolide Resistance, Downstream of Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent. Microbiology Spectrum. 2021 Sep 1;9(2):e00941-21.
Edited by Amadou Diop, student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 116, 2024, Kenyon College.
