Genetic distance from wolves affects family dogs’ reactions towards howls
Imagine a secret language that wolves use to talk to each other across great distances. This special language is called howling, and it’s not just a random noise – it has two important jobs. First, it helps wolf pack members find each other when they’re far apart. It’s like a GPS for wolves! Second, howling helps wolves tell other wolves, “Hey, this is our territory, stay away!” It’s like putting up a sign that says “No Trespassing” using sound. But howling isn’t just simple; it’s like a musical performance. Sometimes, one wolf will sing a solo, and other times, the whole pack joins in for a big chorus. Solo howls can be short or long, with different sounds, while chorus howls start with one wolf and grow as more wolves join in. This special wolf language teaches us about their unity, their places, and the amazing way they communicate with each other.
For more about the fascinating world of wolf communication through howling, you can explore the full research article at https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-04450-9