Evolving View of Vargr

[Ulsyus]

I read this article recently, which prompted thoughts of how the Vargr are depicted.

It was once thought that during domestication dogs had evolved an advanced form of social cognition that wolves lacked... new evidence would suggest that dogs instead have a genetic condition that can lead to an exaggerated motivation to seek social contact compared to wolves.

Monique Udell, Oregon State University.

It likely doesn't need to change anything about how the Vargr are in the OTU, but it prompted me to question whether they would be as susceptible to charismatic leaders if they original stock were removed from Terra before the genetic variation that led to the separation of dogs and wolves.

That all said, another piece could answer the question "why wolves" if the removal and uplift occurred after the wolf/dog separation.

 

[mike wightman]

The Ancients uplifted dire wolves over 300,000 years ago.

Domestic dogs separated from wolves sometime in the 40,000 to 20,000 years ago according to the most up to date theories.

Also the whole idea of alpha wolves is a complete mistake, even the guy who came up with the theory has said it was a massive mistake.

 

[whulorigan]

The Ancients uplifted dire wolves over 300,000 years ago.

Actually I believe the Gray Wolf as well as several other breeds of extinct wolf were also around 300,000 years ago. So the root-stock would not necessarily have to be the dire wolf entirely.

In fact, a number of species of Canids were around beyond simply the genus Canis.

 

[mike wightman]

Yup, there were lots of wolf species around at the time of the Ancient meddling, much like there were several types of human.

 

[sfchbryan]

Yup, there were lots of wolf species around at the time of the Ancient meddling, much like there were several types of human.

Neanderthals mainly.

Certainly no homo sapiens.

 

[whulorigan]

Neanderthals mainly.

Certainly no homo sapiens.

Recent discoveries suggest that Homo-sapiens were around at least by 300,000 years ago. Prior estimates had confirmed a definite presence by 195,000 years ago.

 

[Ulsyus]

Recent discoveries suggest that Homo-sapiens were around at least by 300,000 years ago. Prior estimates had confirmed a definite presence by 195,000 years ago.

It'll be interesting to see where research into this will go.

 

[whulorigan]

It'll be interesting to see where research into this will go.

Thanks for the link. I had forgotten where I had seen the article.