First Dogs May Have Been European

SCIENCE Man’s best friends may have started off as European wolves, according to scientists whose research is challenging earlier thinking around how dogs became domestic animals. (National Geographic News, New York Times) Use our resources to better understand domestication and its discontents. Discussion Ideas The idea that dogs evolved from wolves or a common ancestor is hardly a new idea. In fact, dogs’ scientific name, … Continue reading First Dogs May Have Been European

Wolves’ Return to French Alps Not Always Welcome

WORLD The return of indigenous wolves to the French Alps has been a victory for conservation—and a catastrophe for the local shepherding community. Wolves have killed at least 20,000 sheep in the past five years, threatening an historic, sustainable agricultural lifestyle. (New York Times) Use our resources to better understand herding in the Alps. Discussion Ideas Read our encyclopedic entry on herding. What type of … Continue reading Wolves’ Return to French Alps Not Always Welcome