Long ago, a monster in the dark became humanities greatest friend.
How and when that happened is up for debate by science.
Let’s look at one story today on The Super Pawesome Science Thread. ❤️ #TSPST
Archeologists in Finland proposed one theory about how the wolf began to turn into the dog.
To understand, we need to travel back in time.
Back to a time when the ice froze the world.
The ice age 29,000 to 14,000 years ago was a harsh time for everyone. Great ice sheets stretched from Canada to California. England was frozen over in a cruel tundra. Early humans had a rough time staying alive, but so did the game the humans hunted.
Early deer, caribou, and other game had little fat on their bodies during this time. If a human hunter nabbed dinner, it would be wicked high in protein.
That’s great for a short time, BUT, a diet super high in only protein is dangerous.
Today we know that the human liver can only metabolize so much protein before it says nay-nay. Carbs would have run out for these humans and they would have focused on what fats they could get from their prey, leaving much meat untouched.
The humans ate what they could but realized by random experimentation that too much lean meat sickened them.
Where would a human throw the leftover meat if it couldn’t be carried?
Likely, behind them in their treks through the tundra.
This is it. This is the start of everything, if this theory holds true.
Wolves that hunted the humans found that the humans LEFT food for them.
Over a couple wolf generations, the offspring grew to trust the humans.
Fast forward a hundred years.
The wolf pups that produced less stress hormones in response to seeing humans followed closer. Some ventured into human camps.
Some had pups close to the humans.
The pups played with the humans.
The humans fed the pups.
This is the start of the dog.
It’s one theory as to HOW a monster from the dark became a Bunsen or a Beaker.
It’s up for debate.
This story is plausible and fits the timeline.
The science checks out.
We may never know WHY a wolf decided humans weren’t so bad or so tasty, but boy are we glad they did. ❤️
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Finally - give the first tweet of this thread a retweet to get the science story out there!
Here are SEVEN fun facts about dogs that will blow your mind!
#TSPST
1. Each dog nose print is unique!
Human may have fingerprints, but the dog nose is unique.
This isn’t just wishful fun thinking, it is a fact!
No matter the sample size, dog nose prints never repeat.
Just like the personality of dogs. ❤️
2. Your dog’s paws smell like corn chips
Dogs don't wear shoes so microorganisms get into their feet.
Dogs sweat from the pads of their feet and this sweat is the perfect place for bacteria to grow.
Pseudomonas and Proteus are the microbe team responsible.
As a team, my wife and I grew our Instagram account by 765% and our Facebook account by 6200% in one year.
Ok. Click bait title over, but let's talk social media.
Yes, it isn't our usual science or dog post, but I think many of you will find this interesting.
Our account here on "X" has plateaued over the last two years, and despite working on amazing content which usually does really well with thousands of likes, we haven't been pulling in new followers.
Initially this stung, but I then realized it was totally ok.
We have a huge community here that we are so grateful for, and I love posting and making content of our dogs and science stuff. We did well.
BUT- we have hit the max amount of people on this platform that connect with our content.
If you have had a rough week. we have a heartfelt story for you.
It's a story about how a dog can heal a family.
It is also a story about how a dog can change lives.
🧵
The story starts so sad.
I’m so sorry but this is how it starts.
Sometimes to get to the good parts you have to cry.
Six years ago our family lost our golden Kahlan to cancer.
She was dadguy’s best friend.
The family was devastated.
Through the gloom of winter, the family grieved.
Dogs don’t live as long as humans, their only fault really..
If you've lost a dog you know the pain.
It's ok to be crushed with the loss of a dog.
They are your family in every way a human is.
It's one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
It's cute, wrinkly face is just asking to be kissed, and it's warm personality loves cuddles.
It isn't without health problems and controversy though.
It's the Pug! Let's learn more! 🧵
Pugs probably date back over 2,000 years to ancient China, where they were treasured by emperors and lived luxurious lives.
They were brought to Europe in the 16th century by Dutch traders, quickly becoming favorites among European royalty.
As Pugs spread across Europe, they were refined and standardized, leading to the distinctive breed we know today.
The breed's signature features include a short muzzle, curled tail, and expressive, large eyes, which contribute to their unique and endearing appearance.