How Dogs Evolved from Wolves to Become Domesticated

Dogs have aided humans for thousands of years. Man's best friend has provided protection, companionship and hunting assistance since the days of the earliest human settlements. But how and when dogs evolved from wolves is a matter of debate.

 In his book "How the Dog Became the Dog — From Wolves to Our Best Friends," naturalist Mark Derr writes that wolves who attached themselves to human hunting parties for survival ultimately evolved into today's dog species.

Groups of dogs that socialized well with people split off from the wilder dogs, mated and led to the domesticated species we have today.

If you would like to read or listen to an interview with Mark Derr on National Public Radio about his book, click on this link to go to the NPR website.