Molecular systematics has been made possible by the availability of techniques for DNA sequencing, which allow the determination of the exact sequence of nucleotides or bases in either DNA or RNA, not necessarily restricted to genes. At present it is still a long and expensive process to sequence the entire DNA of an organism (its genome), and this has been done for only a few species. However it is quite feasible to determine the sequence of a defined area of a particular chromosome. Typical molecular systematic analyses require the ...

See also:

Molecular systematics, Molecular systematics - Theoretical background, Molecular systematics - Example: the phylogeny of the domestic dog, Molecular systematics - Characteristics and assumptions of molecular systematics, Molecular systematics - Reference

Read more here: » Molecular systematics: Encyclopedia II - Molecular systematics - Theoretical background

Molecular systematics has been made possible by the availability of techniques for gene sequencing, which allow the determination of the exact sequence of nucleotides or bases in either DNA or RNA, not necessarily restricted to genes. At present it is still a long and expensive process to sequence the entire DNA of an organism (its genome), and this has been done for only a few species. However it is quite feasible to determine the sequence of a defined area of a particular chromosome. Typical molecular systematic analyses require the ...

See also:

Molecular systematics, Molecular systematics - Theoretical background, Molecular systematics - Example: the phylogeny of the domestic dog, Molecular systematics - Characteristics and assumptions of molecular systematics, Molecular systematics - Reference

Read more here: » Molecular systematics: Encyclopedia II - Molecular systematics - Theoretical background

Scientific classification or biological classification is how biologists group and categorize extinct and living species of organisms. Modern classification has its roots in the system of Carolus Linnaeus, who grouped species according to shared physical characteristics. These groupings have been revised since Linnaeus to improve consistency with the Darwinian principle of common descent. Molecular systematics, which uses genomic DNA analysis, has driven many recent revisions and is likely to continue to do so. Scientific class ...

Including:

• Scientific classification - Modern developments
• Scientific classification - Early systems
• Scientific classification - Linnaeus
• Scientific classification - Examples
• Scientific classification - Group suffixes

Read more here: » Scientific classification: Encyclopedia - Scientific classification

The dog is a canine mammal of the Order Carnivora. It has been argued the dog has been domesticated for 12,000 years, but perhaps for as long as 150,000 years based on recent genetic evidence. In this time, the dog has developed into hundreds of breeds with a great degree of variation. For example, heights range from just a few inches (such as the Chihuahua) to nearly three feet (such as the Irish Wolfhound), and colors range from white to black, with reds, grays (usually called blue), and browns occurring in a tremendous varia ...

Including:

• Dog - Terminology
• Dog - Physical characteristics
• Dog - Intelligence
• Dog - Diet
• Dog - Treats
• Dog - Dangerous substances
• Dog - Reproduction
• Dog - Fertility
• Dog - Menarche
• Dog - Pregnancy and litters
• Dog - Spaying and neutering
• Dog - Attributes
• Dog - Sight
• Dog - Hearing
• Dog - Scenting
• Dog - Direction and spatial sense
• Dog - Weather detection
• Dog - Diseases and ailments
• Dog - Diseases
• Dog - Parasites
• Dog - Common Physical Disorders
• Dog - Behavior
• Dog - Interactions between Dogs and Humans
• Dog - Dogs as working partners
• Dog - Dogs as hunting and sporting partners
• Dog - Dogs as pets
• Dog - Dogs as food
• Dog - Attacks on humans and livestock
• Dog - Abandoned dogs
• Dog - Ancestry and history of domestication
• Dog - Wolf ancestors
• Dog - Speed of domestication
• Dog - Dog breeds
• Dog - Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds
• Dog - References and further reading
• Dog - References

Read more here: » Dog: Encyclopedia - Dog

All dogs have a tremendous capacity to learn complex social behavior and to interpret varied body language and sounds, and, like many predators, can react to and learn from novel situations. The requirements of coordinating complex social behavior requires that canines have the ability to sense and deliver a wide variety of cues via body language, more so than for even humans, who can use language for the same purpose. Physiologically, this correlates with such features as a large number of nerves innervating the facial muscles of dogs, allo ...

See also:

Dog, Dog - Terminology, Dog - Physical characteristics, Dog - Intelligence, Dog - Diet, Dog - Treats, Dog - Dangerous substances, Dog - Reproduction, Dog - Fertility, Dog - Menarche, Dog - Pregnancy and litters, Dog - Spaying and neutering, Dog - Attributes, Dog - Sight, Dog - Hearing, Dog - Scenting, Dog - Direction and spatial sense, Dog - Weather detection, Dog - Dog health, Dog - Diseases, Dog - Parasites, Dog - Common physical disorders, Dog - Behavior, Dog - Interactions between Dogs and Humans, Dog - Dogs as working partners, Dog - Dogs as hunting and sporting partners, Dog - Dogs as pets, Dog - Attacks on humans and livestock, Dog - Abandoned dogs, Dog - Ancestry and history of domestication, Dog - Wolf ancestors, Dog - Speed of domestication, Dog - Dogs as food, Dog - Dog breeds, Dog - Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds, Dog - References and further reading

Read more here: » Dog: Encyclopedia II - Dog - Behavior

All dogs have a tremendous capacity to learn complex social behavior and to interpret varied body language and sounds, and, like many predators, can react to and learn from novel situations. The requirements of coordinating complex social behavior requires that canines have the ability to sense and deliver a wide variety of cues via body language, more so than for even humans, who can use language for the same purpose. Physiologically, this correlates with such features as a large number of nerves innervating the facial muscles of dogs, allo ...

See also:

Dog, Dog - Terminology, Dog - Physical characteristics, Dog - Intelligence, Dog - Diet, Dog - Treats, Dog - Dangerous substances, Dog - Reproduction, Dog - Fertility, Dog - Menarche, Dog - Pregnancy and litters, Dog - Spaying and neutering, Dog - Attributes, Dog - Sight, Dog - Hearing, Dog - Scenting, Dog - Direction and spatial sense, Dog - Weather detection, Dog - Diseases and ailments, Dog - Diseases, Dog - Parasites, Dog - Common Physical Disorders, Dog - Behavior, Dog - Interactions between Dogs and Humans, Dog - Dogs as working partners, Dog - Dogs as hunting and sporting partners, Dog - Dogs as pets, Dog - Dogs as food, Dog - Attacks on humans and livestock, Dog - Abandoned dogs, Dog - Ancestry and history of domestication, Dog - Wolf ancestors, Dog - Speed of domestication, Dog - Dog breeds, Dog - Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds, Dog - References and further reading, Dog - References

Read more here: » Dog: Encyclopedia II - Dog - Behavior

Molecular evolution - Mutations. Main article: Mutation Mutations are permanent, transmissible changes to the genetic material (usually DNA or RNA) of a cell. Mutations can be caused by copying errors in the genetic material during cell division and by exposure to radiation, chemicals, or viruses, or can occur deliberately under cellular control during the processes such as meiosis or hypermutation. Mutations are considered the driving force of evolution, where less favorable (or deleterious) ...

See also:

Molecular evolution, Molecular evolution - Exceptions to the general description, Molecular evolution - Principles of molecular evolution, Molecular evolution - Mutations, Molecular evolution - Causes of change in allele frequency, Molecular evolution - Molecular study of phylogeny, Molecular evolution - The neutral theory, Molecular evolution - Infinite alleles model, Molecular evolution - Related fields

Read more here: » Molecular evolution: Encyclopedia II - Molecular evolution - Principles of molecular evolution

The earliest known system of classifying forms of life comes from the Greek philosopher Aristotle, who classified all living organisms know at that time as either a plant or an animal. He futher classified animals based on their means of transportation (air, land, or water). In 1172 Ibn Rushd (Averroes), who was a judge (Qadi) in Seville, translated and abridged Aristotle's book de Anima (On the Soul) into Arabic. His original commentary is now los ...

See also:

Scientific classification, Scientific classification - Modern developments, Scientific classification - Early systems, Scientific classification - Linnaeus, Scientific classification - Examples, Scientific classification - Group suffixes

Read more here: » Scientific classification: Encyclopedia II - Scientific classification - Early systems

Modern dog breeds show more variation in size, appearance, and behavior than any other domestic animal. Within the range of extremes, dogs generally share attributes with their wild ancestors, the wolves. Dogs are predators and scavengers, possessing sharp teeth and strong jaws for attacking, holding, and tearing their food. Dog - Sight. Dogs were thought to be dichromats and thus, by human standards, color blind.1, 2 New research is now being explored that suggests that dogs may actually see so ...

See also:

Dog, Dog - Terminology, Dog - Physical characteristics, Dog - Intelligence, Dog - Diet, Dog - Treats, Dog - Dangerous substances, Dog - Reproduction, Dog - Fertility, Dog - Menarche, Dog - Pregnancy and litters, Dog - Spaying and neutering, Dog - Attributes, Dog - Sight, Dog - Hearing, Dog - Scenting, Dog - Direction and spatial sense, Dog - Weather detection, Dog - Dog health, Dog - Diseases, Dog - Parasites, Dog - Common physical disorders, Dog - Behavior, Dog - Interactions between Dogs and Humans, Dog - Dogs as working partners, Dog - Dogs as hunting and sporting partners, Dog - Dogs as pets, Dog - Attacks on humans and livestock, Dog - Abandoned dogs, Dog - Ancestry and history of domestication, Dog - Wolf ancestors, Dog - Speed of domestication, Dog - Dogs as food, Dog - Dog breeds, Dog - Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds, Dog - References and further reading

Read more here: » Dog: Encyclopedia II - Dog - Attributes

Among professional breeders, dogs are only allowed to mate for a specific purpose. Sometimes dogs are bred to create puppies to sell, or sometimes to carry on an award-winning purebred line. Breeders who do this are usually experienced in this process. Dog breeders have access to records which allow them to accurately guess which characteristics will "breed true" in a particular dog. Dog breeders also have accurate information on the complexities of the reproductive process for the breed of dog that they are accustomed to handling. Dog owners may accidentally allow their pets to breed without regard to bloodlines. See also:

Dog, Dog - Terminology, Dog - Physical characteristics, Dog - Intelligence, Dog - Diet, Dog - Treats, Dog - Dangerous substances, Dog - Reproduction, Dog - Fertility, Dog - Menarche, Dog - Pregnancy and litters, Dog - Spaying and neutering, Dog - Attributes, Dog - Sight, Dog - Hearing, Dog - Scenting, Dog - Direction and spatial sense, Dog - Weather detection, Dog - Dog health, Dog - Diseases, Dog - Parasites, Dog - Common physical disorders, Dog - Behavior, Dog - Interactions between Dogs and Humans, Dog - Dogs as working partners, Dog - Dogs as hunting and sporting partners, Dog - Dogs as pets, Dog - Attacks on humans and livestock, Dog - Abandoned dogs, Dog - Ancestry and history of domestication, Dog - Wolf ancestors, Dog - Speed of domestication, Dog - Dogs as food, Dog - Dog breeds, Dog - Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds, Dog - References and further reading

Read more here: » Dog: Encyclopedia II - Dog - Reproduction

Spaying or neutering refers to the removal of the male testicles or the female ovaries and uterus, in order to remove the capability to procreate, and to kill the libido. Dog experts advise that dogs not intended for further breeding should be spayed or neutered so that they do not have undesired puppies. Unwanted puppies are abandoned, eaten, or sometimes disposed of in an inhumane fashion. It is also common for adult stray dogs who are placed in animal shelters to be e ...

See also:

Dog, Dog - Terminology, Dog - Physical characteristics, Dog - Intelligence, Dog - Diet, Dog - Treats, Dog - Dangerous substances, Dog - Reproduction, Dog - Fertility, Dog - Menarche, Dog - Pregnancy and litters, Dog - Spaying and neutering, Dog - Attributes, Dog - Sight, Dog - Hearing, Dog - Scenting, Dog - Direction and spatial sense, Dog - Weather detection, Dog - Dog health, Dog - Diseases, Dog - Parasites, Dog - Common physical disorders, Dog - Behavior, Dog - Interactions between Dogs and Humans, Dog - Dogs as working partners, Dog - Dogs as hunting and sporting partners, Dog - Dogs as pets, Dog - Attacks on humans and livestock, Dog - Abandoned dogs, Dog - Ancestry and history of domestication, Dog - Wolf ancestors, Dog - Speed of domestication, Dog - Dogs as food, Dog - Dog breeds, Dog - Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds, Dog - References and further reading

Read more here: » Dog: Encyclopedia II - Dog - Spaying and neutering

Further information: Category:Dog health Dogs are susceptible to various diseases, ailments, and poisons, some of which affect humans in the same way, others of which are unique to dogs. Dog - Diseases. Diseases commonly associated with dogs include rabies (hydrophobia), canine parvovirus, and canine distemper, and pulmonic stenosis, although there are many others. Dog - Parasites. Common external parasites are various species of fleas, ticks, a ...

See also:

Dog, Dog - Terminology, Dog - Physical characteristics, Dog - Intelligence, Dog - Diet, Dog - Treats, Dog - Dangerous substances, Dog - Reproduction, Dog - Fertility, Dog - Menarche, Dog - Pregnancy and litters, Dog - Spaying and neutering, Dog - Attributes, Dog - Sight, Dog - Hearing, Dog - Scenting, Dog - Direction and spatial sense, Dog - Weather detection, Dog - Dog health, Dog - Diseases, Dog - Parasites, Dog - Common physical disorders, Dog - Behavior, Dog - Interactions between Dogs and Humans, Dog - Dogs as working partners, Dog - Dogs as hunting and sporting partners, Dog - Dogs as pets, Dog - Attacks on humans and livestock, Dog - Abandoned dogs, Dog - Ancestry and history of domestication, Dog - Wolf ancestors, Dog - Speed of domestication, Dog - Dogs as food, Dog - Dog breeds, Dog - Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds, Dog - References and further reading

Read more here: » Dog: Encyclopedia II - Dog - Dog health

The usual classifications of five species follow: the fruit fly so familiar in genetics laboratories (Drosophila melanogaster), humans (Homo sapiens), the peas used by Gregor Mendel in his discovery of genetics (Pisum sativum), the fly agaric mushroom Amanita muscaria, and the bacterium Escherichia coli. The eight major ranks are given in bold; a selection of minor ranks are given as well. Notes: Botanists and mycologists use systematic naming conventions for higher taxa, using the Latin ...

See also:

Scientific classification, Scientific classification - Modern developments, Scientific classification - Early systems, Scientific classification - Linnaeus, Scientific classification - Examples, Scientific classification - Group suffixes

Read more here: » Scientific classification: Encyclopedia II - Scientific classification - Examples

Whereas Linnaeus classified for ease of identification, it is now generally accepted that classification should reflect the Darwinian principle of common descent. Since the 1960s a trend called cladistic taxonomy or cladism has emerged, arranging taxa in an evolutionary tree. If a taxon includes all the descendants of some ancestral form, it is called monophyletic, as opposed to paraphyletic. Other groups are called polyphyletic. A new formal code of nomenclature, the PhyloCode, is currently under development, intended to deal with clades rather than taxa. It is unclear, ...

See also:

Scientific classification, Scientific classification - Modern developments, Scientific classification - Early systems, Scientific classification - Linnaeus, Scientific classification - Examples, Scientific classification - Group suffixes

Read more here: » Scientific classification: Encyclopedia II - Scientific classification - Modern developments

There are numerous dog breeds, over 800 being recognized by various kennel clubs worldwide. As all dog breeds have been derived from mixed-breed dog populations, the term "purebred" has meaning only with respect to a certain number of generations. Many dogs, especially outside the United States and Western Europe, belong to no recognized breed. A few basic breed types have evolved gradually during the domesticated dog's relationship with man over the last 10,000 or more years, but most modern breeds are of relatively recent derivation ...

See also:

Dog, Dog - Terminology, Dog - Physical characteristics, Dog - Intelligence, Dog - Diet, Dog - Treats, Dog - Dangerous substances, Dog - Reproduction, Dog - Fertility, Dog - Menarche, Dog - Pregnancy and litters, Dog - Spaying and neutering, Dog - Attributes, Dog - Sight, Dog - Hearing, Dog - Scenting, Dog - Direction and spatial sense, Dog - Weather detection, Dog - Dog health, Dog - Diseases, Dog - Parasites, Dog - Common physical disorders, Dog - Behavior, Dog - Interactions between Dogs and Humans, Dog - Dogs as working partners, Dog - Dogs as hunting and sporting partners, Dog - Dogs as pets, Dog - Attacks on humans and livestock, Dog - Abandoned dogs, Dog - Ancestry and history of domestication, Dog - Wolf ancestors, Dog - Speed of domestication, Dog - Dogs as food, Dog - Dog breeds, Dog - Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds, Dog - References and further reading

Read more here: » Dog: Encyclopedia II - Dog - Dog breeds

Molecular systematics indicate that the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) descends from one or more populations of wild wolves (Canis lupus). As reflected in the nomenclature, dogs are a subspecies of wolf and are thus still able to interbreed. The relationship between man and canine has deep roots. Wolf remains have been found in association with hominid remains dating from 400,000 years ago. Converging archaeological and genetic evidence indicate a time of domestication in the late Upper Paleolithic close to the Pl ...

See also:

Dog, Dog - Terminology, Dog - Physical characteristics, Dog - Intelligence, Dog - Diet, Dog - Treats, Dog - Dangerous substances, Dog - Reproduction, Dog - Fertility, Dog - Menarche, Dog - Pregnancy and litters, Dog - Spaying and neutering, Dog - Attributes, Dog - Sight, Dog - Hearing, Dog - Scenting, Dog - Direction and spatial sense, Dog - Weather detection, Dog - Dog health, Dog - Diseases, Dog - Parasites, Dog - Common physical disorders, Dog - Behavior, Dog - Interactions between Dogs and Humans, Dog - Dogs as working partners, Dog - Dogs as hunting and sporting partners, Dog - Dogs as pets, Dog - Attacks on humans and livestock, Dog - Abandoned dogs, Dog - Ancestry and history of domestication, Dog - Wolf ancestors, Dog - Speed of domestication, Dog - Dogs as food, Dog - Dog breeds, Dog - Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds, Dog - References and further reading

Read more here: » Dog: Encyclopedia II - Dog - Ancestry and history of domestication

Among professional breeders, dogs are only allowed to mate for a specific purpose. Sometimes dogs are bred to create puppies to sell, or sometimes to carry on an award-winning purebred line. Breeders who do this are usually experienced in this process. Dog breeders have access to records which allow them to accurately guess which characteristics will "breed true" in a particular dog. Dog breeders also have accurate information on the complexities of the reproductive process for the breed of dog that they are accustomed to handling. Dog owners may accidently allow their pets to breed without regard to bloodlines. See also:

Dog, Dog - Terminology, Dog - Physical characteristics, Dog - Intelligence, Dog - Diet, Dog - Treats, Dog - Dangerous substances, Dog - Reproduction, Dog - Fertility, Dog - Menarche, Dog - Pregnancy and litters, Dog - Spaying and neutering, Dog - Attributes, Dog - Sight, Dog - Hearing, Dog - Scenting, Dog - Direction and spatial sense, Dog - Weather detection, Dog - Diseases and ailments, Dog - Diseases, Dog - Parasites, Dog - Common Physical Disorders, Dog - Behavior, Dog - Interactions between Dogs and Humans, Dog - Dogs as working partners, Dog - Dogs as hunting and sporting partners, Dog - Dogs as pets, Dog - Dogs as food, Dog - Attacks on humans and livestock, Dog - Abandoned dogs, Dog - Ancestry and history of domestication, Dog - Wolf ancestors, Dog - Speed of domestication, Dog - Dog breeds, Dog - Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds, Dog - References and further reading, Dog - References

Read more here: » Dog: Encyclopedia II - Dog - Reproduction

Presently, there is academic discussion as to whether domestic dogs are omnivores or carnivores. The classification in the Order Carnivora does not necessarily mean that a dog's diet must be restricted to meat. Unlike an obligate carnivore, such as a cat, a dog is not dependent on meat protein in order to fulfill its dietary requirements. Dogs are able to healthily digest a variety of foods including vegetables and grains, and in fact can consume a large proportion of these in their diet. Wild canines not only eat available plants to obtain ...

See also:

Dog, Dog - Terminology, Dog - Physical characteristics, Dog - Intelligence, Dog - Diet, Dog - Treats, Dog - Dangerous substances, Dog - Reproduction, Dog - Fertility, Dog - Menarche, Dog - Pregnancy and litters, Dog - Spaying and neutering, Dog - Attributes, Dog - Sight, Dog - Hearing, Dog - Scenting, Dog - Direction and spatial sense, Dog - Weather detection, Dog - Dog health, Dog - Diseases, Dog - Parasites, Dog - Common physical disorders, Dog - Behavior, Dog - Interactions between Dogs and Humans, Dog - Dogs as working partners, Dog - Dogs as hunting and sporting partners, Dog - Dogs as pets, Dog - Attacks on humans and livestock, Dog - Abandoned dogs, Dog - Ancestry and history of domestication, Dog - Wolf ancestors, Dog - Speed of domestication, Dog - Dogs as food, Dog - Dog breeds, Dog - Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds, Dog - References and further reading

Read more here: » Dog: Encyclopedia II - Dog - Diet

Dogs are susceptible to various diseases, ailments, and poisons, some of which affect humans in the same way, others of which are unique to dogs. Further information: dog health, Category:Dog health Dog - Diseases. Diseases commonly associated with dogs include rabies (hydrophobia), canine parvovirus, and canine distemper, although there are many others. Dog - Parasites. Common external parasites are various species of fleas, ticks, and mites. Internal parasites include hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms. See also:

Dog, Dog - Terminology, Dog - Physical characteristics, Dog - Intelligence, Dog - Diet, Dog - Treats, Dog - Dangerous substances, Dog - Reproduction, Dog - Fertility, Dog - Menarche, Dog - Pregnancy and litters, Dog - Spaying and neutering, Dog - Attributes, Dog - Sight, Dog - Hearing, Dog - Scenting, Dog - Direction and spatial sense, Dog - Weather detection, Dog - Diseases and ailments, Dog - Diseases, Dog - Parasites, Dog - Common Physical Disorders, Dog - Behavior, Dog - Interactions between Dogs and Humans, Dog - Dogs as working partners, Dog - Dogs as hunting and sporting partners, Dog - Dogs as pets, Dog - Dogs as food, Dog - Attacks on humans and livestock, Dog - Abandoned dogs, Dog - Ancestry and history of domestication, Dog - Wolf ancestors, Dog - Speed of domestication, Dog - Dog breeds, Dog - Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds, Dog - References and further reading, Dog - References

Read more here: » Dog: Encyclopedia II - Dog - Diseases and ailments

Modern dog breeds show more variation in size, appearance, and behavior than any other domestic animal. Within the range of extremes, dogs generally share attributes with their wild ancestors, the wolves. Dogs are predators and scavengers, possessing sharp teeth and strong jaws for attacking, holding, and tearing their food. Dog - Sight. Dogs were thought to be dichromats and thus, by human standards, color blind.1, 2 New research is now being explored that suggests that dogs may actually see so ...

See also:

Dog, Dog - Terminology, Dog - Physical characteristics, Dog - Intelligence, Dog - Diet, Dog - Treats, Dog - Dangerous substances, Dog - Reproduction, Dog - Fertility, Dog - Menarche, Dog - Pregnancy and litters, Dog - Spaying and neutering, Dog - Attributes, Dog - Sight, Dog - Hearing, Dog - Scenting, Dog - Direction and spatial sense, Dog - Weather detection, Dog - Diseases and ailments, Dog - Diseases, Dog - Parasites, Dog - Common Physical Disorders, Dog - Behavior, Dog - Interactions between Dogs and Humans, Dog - Dogs as working partners, Dog - Dogs as hunting and sporting partners, Dog - Dogs as pets, Dog - Dogs as food, Dog - Attacks on humans and livestock, Dog - Abandoned dogs, Dog - Ancestry and history of domestication, Dog - Wolf ancestors, Dog - Speed of domestication, Dog - Dog breeds, Dog - Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds, Dog - References and further reading, Dog - References

Read more here: » Dog: Encyclopedia II - Dog - Attributes