Ologies with Alie Ward

Lupinology (WOLVES) with Bridgett vonHoldt

Nov 19, 2019

01:16:17

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Lupinologist and Princeton professor Dr. Brigette vonHoldt talks about wolf behavior, canine family dynamics, Game of Thrones direwolves, myths about alphas, similarities in dog and human genetics, the ecological impact of predators, and how social media is howling for humans.

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Quick takeaways

Domesticated dogs retain juvenile traits unlike wolves, showcasing rapid diversification through selective breeding and genetic mutations.

Yellowstone's gray wolf recovery is influenced by management policies, diseases, and social dynamics within packs.

Wolves are vital for maintaining ecological balance, regulating herbivore populations to support biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Deep dives

Evolution and Domestication of Dogs from Wolves

Dogs, through domestication, have retained juvenile traits, resembling puppies throughout their lives, unlike wolves. Genetic mutations and selective breeding have rapidly diversified dog breeds from a wolf-like ancestor. Some mutations can result in unique characteristics like hairlessness. Dog breeding offers an accelerated study of evolution due to the observable variations within domestic dog populations.

Introduction

4min

Exploring the World of Wolves with Dr. Wolf

16min

Exploring the Complexities of Wolf Populations and Conservation Efforts

4min

Reintroduction of Gray Wolves in North America

9min

Exploring Wolf Pack Dynamics and Domestic Dog Characteristics

3min

Genetic Similarities and Differences in Domestic Dogs and Wolves

11min

Discussion on Sponsorship, Red Wolf Coalition, and Merrick Petcare, Transitioning to Mythologies of Being Raised by Wolves

3min

Exploring the Complexities of Wolf Behavior and Misconceptions

17min

The Role of Wolves in Ecosystem Management

6min

10.

Passion and Challenges in Wolf Research

4min

11.

Exploring Lupinology and Wolf Appreciation

3min

Wolf howls, wolf packs, wolf pups and more! As the holiday Wolfenoot approaches, lupinologist and Princeton professor Dr. Brigette vonHoldt sits down to talk about her research looking at everything from wolf populations to modern dog behavior, canine family dynamics, Game of Thrones direwolves, Yellowstone wolfies, the ecological impact of predators, if wolves howl at the moon, myths and truths about alphas, the wolf movie she refuses to see, how dog and human genetics are similar, and how you can help our lupine friends. Also: how social media is howling for humans.

The vonHoldt Lab: https://vonholdt.princeton.edu

Benefunder for Dr. vonHoldt

Follow Dr. vonHoldt at www.twitter.com/thebeepz

A donation went to: https://redwolves.com/newsite/

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More links up at alieward.com/ologies/lupinology

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Sound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray Morris