Altruism in wolves explains the coevolution of dogs and wolves: A response to Jouventin, Christen, and Dobson

Abstract

Jouventin et al. suggest that altruistic behaviour in wolves, demonstrated by modern wolves towards their human caretakers, was exploited by prehistoric men and explains the possible coevolution of dogs and humans. In this response paper, I question their observations and propose alternative explanations for them. I also suggest various hypotheses that the authors need to explore in regards to the evolution of altruism behaviour in wolves towards humans. Finally, I also question how prehistoric humans could have raised wolf pups and why archeological evidence does not support this hypothesis.