Vocalizations in Wild Canids and Possible Effects of Domestication

This study examines the vocalizations of wild canids and the possible effects of domestication on their vocal behavior. The authors recorded and analyzed the vocalizations of several species of wild canids, including wolves, coyotes, and foxes, in their natural habitats. They found that wild canids use a variety of vocalizations for communication, including barks, howls, and growls, and that these vocalizations serve a variety of functions, such as territorial defense, social bonding, and hunting. The authors also compared the vocalizations of wild canids to those of domesticated dogs and found that domestication has had a significant impact on the vocal behavior of dogs. Domesticated dogs have a wider range of vocalizations and are more likely to use vocalizations for communication with humans. The authors suggest that these changes in vocal behavior may be a result of the selective pressures of domestication, which have favored dogs that are more communicative with humans. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the vocal behavior of wild canids and the effects of domestication on their communication.