Genetics have shown what dogs might look like in 10 thousand years
Miscellaneous / / November 24, 2023
Two scenarios with very different results.
Experts from Basepaws, an American company that specializes in genetic testing pets, we decided to imagine what modern dog breeds might look like in 10,000 years years.
The authors considered two scenarios: continued global warming and a new ice age. They analyzed how such changes would affect the appearance of animals, and using a neural network generated illustrations that match their vision.
Global warming
Unless global warming slows, climate change will affect how much food people can feed their animals. Because resources are scarce, dogs will become smaller on average: their bodies will have to consume less food, expend less energy, and cool down faster. Many dogs' skin will darken to protect them from ultraviolet rays.
As temperatures rise, dogs will also lose more of their fur. In addition, due to the heat of the day, they can switch to a nocturnal mode of life. The heads and ears will likely become larger to help them stay cool.
If a lack of food is added to a lack of water, the dogs' metabolism will adapt so that the animals can survive without moisture longer.
glacial period
In the event that we are faced with the opposite scenario and a new ice age begins, dogs would logically develop a thicker undercoat and overall longer coats.
Scientists have not yet decided what will happen to the size of dogs in this case: whether evolution will push them to increase or decrease in size. But in any case, they will receive a thicker layer of fat, which they will use to store energy. The physique may change in favor of wolves: for long hunts and work in a team, they will need more powerful muscles.
This scenario will truly test the friendship between humans and dogs: in extreme conditions, the species may well become rivals for food and shelter.
Which scenario seems more likely to you?
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