Once a Wolf, Bryan Sykes
Once a Wolf, Bryan Sykes
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Once a Wolf
The Science Behind Our Dogs' Astonishing Genetic Evolution

Author: Bryan Sykes

Narrator: John Curless

Unabridged: 9 hr 50 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 03/26/2019


Synopsis

The author of Seven Daughters of Eve returns with a lively account of how all dogs are descended from a mere handful of wolves. How did wolves evolve into dogs? When did this happen, and what role did humans play? Oxford geneticist Bryan Sykes used the full array of modern technology to explore the canine genetic journey that likely began when a human child decided to adopt a wolf cub thousands of years ago. In the process, he discovered that only a handful of genes have created the huge range of shapes, sizes, and colors in modern dogs. Providing scientific insight into these adaptive stages, Sykes focuses attention on our own species, and how our own evolution from (perhaps equally aggressive) primates was enhanced by this most unlikely ally. Whether examining our obsession with canine purity, or delving into the prehistoric past to answer the most fundamental question of all, "Why do we love our dog so much?," Once a Wolf is an engaging work no dog lover or ancestry aficionado should be without

About Bryan Sykes

Bryan Sykes is professor of human genetics at Oxford University. His company, Oxford Ancestors, traces human genetic backgrounds. Sykes's books include the "New York Times" bestseller "The Seven Daughters of Eve".


Reviews

Goodreads review by Adrienne on December 05, 2013

Summary: Wolves were once considered terrible beasts that must be killed. For this reason, the wolf population in North America was nearly obliterated. This is, however, until scientists began to learn more and realize the importance of these predators. Their reintroduction to Yellowstone Park marke......more

Goodreads review by Susan on November 04, 2022

Fascinating account of the reintroduction of wolves back into Yellowstone Park.......more

Goodreads review by Bulldog on August 06, 2012

I wanted to know three things about wolves: How do Wolfs communicate? What strategies do wolfs use? What is Wolf Society? I learned that the leading theory about Wolf communication is they communicate by howling. I deduce that they have some tail signals that they use when hunting prey. They usually......more

Goodreads review by Clare on December 31, 2012

This is a loaded book discussing one species of wolf, and how biologists are fighting to preserve it. In the story, they chronicle historically how the image of the wolf over time has been wholly negative, which effects the survival of the species. Many wolfs are being killed off by humans, destroyi......more

Goodreads review by Olivia on December 19, 2017

This was a very entertaining book about the progress of the wolf society throughout time. There were a few different views, and that's what I like about non-fiction books; that they have a little bit of the other side of the argument/viewpoint besides their own. Although there were some sad parts, i......more