The Scavenging Hypothesis:
According to this hypothesis, the domestication of dogs began with the natural scavenging behavior of wolves and other wild canids. Humans left behind food remains and waste from settlements and hunting, attracting wolves to scavenging sites. Over time, wolves that ventured closer to human settlements for food gained a survival advantage compared to wolves that remained in the wild, leading to a gradual shift in their behavior and genetics.
Key Factors in the Scavenging Hypothesis:
Food and Resource Association:
As wolves consistently found reliable sources of food near human settlements, they started associating humans with food availability. This positive association led to a reduced fear response towards humans.
Gradual Proximity:
Over generations, wolves became more tolerant of human presence and even started following human groups or tribes, seeking food scraps.
Mutualistic Relationship:
The proximity between wolves and humans brought benefits to both species. Wolves received a stable source of food, while humans could benefit from the presence of wolves as guardians against potential threats.
Natural Selection:
Wolves with reduced aggression, increased tameness, and cooperative behaviors were more likely to thrive and survive in the presence of humans, leading to the gradual selection of these traits.
Selective Breeding:
As time passed, humans began selectively breeding wolves for specific traits that suited their needs, such as hunting, herding, and companionship. This selective breeding further shaped the physical characteristics and behaviors of dogs.
Coevolution:
The scavenging hypothesis suggests a coevolutionary process between humans and dogs, where both species mutually influenced each other's evolution and adapted to their changing environments and societal needs.
It's important to note that the scavenging hypothesis is one of several theories proposed to explain dog domestication, and there is ongoing scientific research and debate about the exact details and processes involved in this complex historical process.