Question

Humans lived with domesticated dogs over thousands of years which resulted in many breeds of dogs. Humans bred some dogs to have thick

coats to keep the dogs warm in cold climates while other dogs have thin coats that live in warm climates.
Which evidence supports the claim that dogs inherit these characteristics?
O
A. During mitosis, mutations occurred and the offspring's DNA stored this information
B. As dogs digested food, mutations occurred which changed the dog's physical appearance.
O C. Since dogs lived closely in contact with humans, the dog's genetic information remained the same.
D. During meiosis, new combinations of genetic information occurred, and the offspring's genes expressed this information.

Answer 1

The evidence that dogs inherit characteristics like coat thickness is due to the process of meiosis, where new combinations of genetic material create offspring with diverse genetic traits. Selective breeding over time has resulted in various dog breeds adapted to specific climates. So the correct option is D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The evidence that supports the claim that dogs inherit characteristics such as coat thickness is D. During meiosis, new combinations of genetic information occurred, and the offspring's genes express this information. Meiosis is the process by which sex cells, or gametes, are produced, and it involves the recombination of genetic material from the parent organisms. This process leads to genetic diversity, which allows for the expression of different traits in the offspring. Over time, humans have selectively bred dogs to emphasize certain traits, including thick coats for cold climates and thin coats for warm climates. This selective breeding relies on the principles of inheritance and the variation caused by meiosis.

Through selective breeding, humans influence which dogs reproduce based on desirable traits. The offspring inherited these traits through their genetic material, which was passed on during meiosis. An example of this is how different breeds of dogs have been created for specific functions and environments, ensuring that those with favorable traits for a given environment are more likely to survive and pass on their genetic information.

Answer 2

Did humans tame woolly mammoths or other megafauna?

Considering that some people are gifted with handling animals (e.g. horse whisperers), could paleoindians or other Pleistocene peoples have gained the confidence of woolly mammoths or mastodons to use them as transportation and other tasks, the way that Asian elephants are used today?

Fewer resources would be necessary for a human to travel long distances by riding on the back of a woolly mammoth or paleocamel, as the megafauna could graze and get energy. People may also have traveled by boat during late Pleistocene times (the kelp highway along PNW).

How could we test such a hypothesis? Cave art showing a rider on the back of one of the megafauna? A bridle and/or bit? A talisman worn by a camel is known to have been crafted from a meteorite(1), and so talismans or decorations might have adorned the hypothesized woolly steed. Metal was not a known technology during stone tool usage, as far as we know, though.