Which trait is an example of neoteny observed in domesticated dogs relative to wolves?

Which trait is an example of neoteny observed in domesticated dogs relative to wolves?

• A. Greater sociability with humans and reliance on human cues
• B. Increased territorial aggression
• C. Higher predation
• D. Less tolerance of humans

Answer: (A)

Neoteny means keeping younger, juvenile traits into adulthood. In domesticated dogs, that shows up as a persistent, high level of sociability with humans and a strong tendency to follow and rely on human cues. Dogs remain open to human interaction, watch our faces and gestures, and seek guidance from people, which is a juvenile feature that is retained rather than fading as they mature. Wolves, in contrast, are typically more wary of humans and rely more on their own pack for information and decision-making, showing less of this human-directed, puppy-like sociability. So the trait that best exemplifies neoteny here is the dogs’ greater sociability with humans and reliance on human cues. The other options describe more adult, wolf-like or aggressive tendencies (territorial aggression, higher predation, less tolerance of humans), which don’t reflect juvenile-retained traits.

Neoteny means keeping younger, juvenile traits into adulthood. In domesticated dogs, that shows up as a persistent, high level of sociability with humans and a strong tendency to follow and rely on human cues. Dogs remain open to human interaction, watch our faces and gestures, and seek guidance from people, which is a juvenile feature that is retained rather than fading as they mature. Wolves, in contrast, are typically more wary of humans and rely more on their own pack for information and decision-making, showing less of this human-directed, puppy-like sociability.

So the trait that best exemplifies neoteny here is the dogs’ greater sociability with humans and reliance on human cues. The other options describe more adult, wolf-like or aggressive tendencies (territorial aggression, higher predation, less tolerance of humans), which don’t reflect juvenile-retained traits.