A recent study, which examined the behavioral traits and genetic makeup of dogs and wolves, has revealed that our canine companions share a chromosomal overlap with humans who are diagnosed with Williams-Beuren syndrome. The researchers believe that it is precisely this similarity which sheds light on dogs' unwavering sociability.
Monique Udell, a scientist from Oregon State University, explains that "it was once thought that during domestication dogs had evolved an advanced form of social cognition that wolves lacked." However, she now feels that "this new evidence would suggest that dogs instead have a genetic condition that can lead to an exaggerated motivation to seek social contact compared to wolves."
Williams-Beuren syndrome is a terrifying developmental disorder which can alter people's facial features, as well as potentially causing a whole host of health issues, such as heart defects and abnormalities in the nervous system and brain. However, one of the most distinctive psychological symptoms of Williams-Beuren syndrome is hyper-sociability, which is primarily characterized by a severe lack of social inhibition and a high level of empathy. This is why sufferers are often seen to display an excessive amount of friendly and outgoing behavior, even towards complete strangers.
Along with a fellow evolutionary biologist from Princeton University, Bridgett vonHoldt, Udell observed striking parallels between the behavior of dogs and the hyper-sociability that's part-and-parcel of Williams-Beuren syndrome. That's why they then decided to find out just how closely they're related at the genetic level.
"It was the remarkable similarity between the behavioral presentation of Williams-Beuren syndrome and the friendliness of domesticated dogs that suggested to us that there may be similarities in the genetic architecture of the two phenotypes," vonHoldt explains.
To carry out their study, the two researchers took 10 human-socialized wolves and 18 domesticated dogs. They subjected them to a number of behavior-based experiments, which involved both new and familiar people to help gauge their sociability levels on an individual basis.
To nobody's surprise, the dogs proved to be far more friendly with humans than the wolves were, and they found that the main reason for this was a number of variations present within a region of chromosome 6 inside the dog's DNA sequences. To be specific, the many genetic insertions (called transposons) in the Williams-Beuren syndrome critical region (WBSCR) in the friendlier dogs appeared to affect a protein called GIF21, making them more sociable. The less sociable ones were found to have less of these disruptions, which is why they exhibited more wolf-like behavior.
VonHoldt said that they "haven't found a 'social gene,' but rather an important [genetic] component that shapes animal personality and assisted the process of domesticating a wild wolf into a tame dog." This could help to explain exactly how dogs and wolves became separated into two distinct groups during evolution.
Scientists had often debated whether dogs became social animals after wolves began to be domesticated by human beings. However, the presence of certain social variants in the wolves that were studies appears to indicate that even wolves have the capacity to be extremely friendly under certain circumstances. At this point though, we still wouldn't recommend letting a wolf lick your face!
Is This the Cutest Dog Breed Ever? See For Yourself!
One of the most famous dog breeds on the internet is certainly the Shiba Inu. Here are 20 cute photos of this fantastic kind of dog!
Why Do Cats Like Catnip?
Are they really getting "high," or is there scientific logic behind cats' love of catnip?
Get Ready For Some Unusually LARGE Pets
If you think your cat or dog did a lot of growing since you first adopted them, wait till you see these extra-large (and extra cute) pets!
These 10 New Species Were Only Discovered in 2018!
From creatures the size of office blocks to those that are only visible when viewed under a microscope, the 10 newly-discovered species are wonderful!
These Cute Little Puppies Changed into Mighty Big Mutts!
Check out his collection of photos, which shows the same dogs when they were cute little puppies, as well as when they became mighty mutts!
We Don't Tend to Give These Mysteries Much Thought...
There are certain scientific mysteries that look like they won't be solved anytime soon. Here are 10 big scientific mysteries we tend to take for granted.
7 Fascinating Natural Phenomena Science Can’t Explain
From the Great Blue Hole in Belize to the Sailing Stones in CA, this video will introduce you to 7 natural phenomena science isn't fully able to explain.
Houdini Is Back, And He's a Honey Badger Now...
An amazing video that every animal-lover should see.
These Photos Appear To Have Been Taken In Another World...
Planet Earth is an incredible place - so incredible that we sometimes don't even recognise it. These locations could easily double up as alien planets.
Mimicry: The Most Fascinating of Animal Weapons
By far the coolest skill is the ability of some animals to mimic - down to the smallest detail - its surroundings, as well as other animals
10 Marvelous Nature Spots That Are Too Beautiful For Words
Here are 10 spectacular natural sights our planet has to offer:
Animal Dreams: The Funny Ways Animals Sleep
In this humor-filled video, we're going to explore some animals with fascinating, silly and downright bizarre ways some animals go about the act of sleep.
Best of BBC: 7 Animal Videos You HAVE to Watch
Feast your eyes on 7 perfect animal moments, from the cute to the colorful, from the beautiful to the menacing - these BBC videos are gorgeous.
Do Animals Talk? You’d be Shocked at What They Have to Say
Videos about animals learning to communicate with people
Collection: The World's Mightiest Mountains
Look through our biggest ever collection of incredible landscape photos of mountains from every corner of the Earth. Enjoy!
9 of the Most Fascinating Night-Singing Birds
Enter the fascinating world of birds that chirp mellifluously at night.
15 Magical Animal Moments That’ll Make You Smile All Day!
Animals sometimes take on the role of "models" and provide photographers with the opportunity to capture wonderful moments of magic that simply warm our hearts.
25 Cute and Curious Animals Just Discovering the Snow
25 adorable animals are experiencing the simple pleasures of playing outside in the snow for the very first time.
These Animal Facts Are Both Adorable and Interesting
Twenty fascinating animal facts that we bet you never knew about!
GUIDE: 15 of the Smallest, Sweetest Dog Breeds
If you're interested in meeting some of the smallest and cutest dog breeds in the world, check out these 15 breeds.
This is the Smallest Wild Dog You've Likely Seen
This little wild dog was recently thought to be extinct.
The Pronking Dance of the Antelopes - Lovely!
The sprinbok like to find a place of rain, and after it passes, they celebrate the fresh grass with... pronking, a very beautiful, very strange dance!
17 Utterly Beautiful Photos of Japan's Cherry Blossoms
The sight of blooming cherry blossoms is synonymous with springtime Japan. Take a look at these beautiful photos to remind you what a wonderful season this is.
These Beautiful Animals May Not Be Around for Much Longer
The chances are you have never seen these animals before, and sadly many of them will not be around much longer. Take a look at these 18 beautiful animals.
Roses Are Even More Beautiful After Reading These 10 Facts
The rose evokes sentiments of love, romance and relationships, but there are some things about them that I never even imagined. Read these impressive rose facts
Marvel at the Stunning Winners of Ocean Art Awards!
Marvel at the spectacular winning images from the 2023 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest.
The Intense Colors of These Animals Are Simply Astonishing
Though a lot of animals keep themselves to themselves, this collection of vibrant beasties want the world to see their colorful beauty!
Extreme Alternative Agriculture: Growing Basil Underwater
Join us on a swim to Nemo’s Garden, a hydroponic garden at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea.
Nature's Brilliant Blues Will Brighten Your Day
We live on the 'blue planet', underneath a blue sky, but instances of blue elsewhere is actually quite rare. Here are some of the most beautiful examples.
15 Magical Pics Presenting Nature in Its Finest Glory
Take a look at this magnificent collection of nature pictures that will transport you to a different world.
World's Finest Wildlife Images Crowned for 2023: 16 Pics
Check out the outstanding winners of One Eyeland’s 2023 Wildlife Photography Awards.
True Friendship Survives Beyond Time - Beautiful!
Gorilla Reunites With Carer 5 Years Later...
These Pictures Can Reduce Your Stress. We Guarantee It!
Enjoy the beauty of our world in 15 glorious photographs.
Woman Captures Stunning Photos of Birds in Her Back Yard!
Although the weather and seasons in Germany and Michigan are quite similar, one woman realized that the birds are different. She took some great photos to prove this.
Human Cultivation Changed These Plants Beyond Recognition!
These 8 familiar fruits and vegetables changed so much when people started cultivating them, you won't be able to recognize them!
15 Things You Never Knew About the Panda Bear
When you hear about pandas, you think big, cute and cuddly, but there is much you might not know about these gentle giants...
Answered in Less Than 5 Minutes - How Sinkholes Form
Many sinkholes appear due to construction and mining works. So how do they form? Should you be concerned?
Horse Kingdom: Exploring the 15 Most Stunning Horse Breeds
Many beautiful horse breeds have been developed over the course of the centuries, but some are more beautiful than others... Take a look.
Visiting the Tallest Moutain in NZ: Mount Cook Adventure!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness the splendor of this unique destination.
Hummingbirds Come in the Most Beautiful Rainbow Colors!
There are hundreds of gorgeous species of hummingbirds. Have you spotted any of these near you?
Witness The Magical World of Brazil’s Terra Ronca Cave
Treasures buried in the heart of the earth are not only silver and gold but also rare natural wonders. This is the Terra Runica Cave, enjoy your tour!
15 Times Birds Built Nests in the Most UNUSUAL Places
Some birds build their nests in the most unusual places, such as a mop, a helmet, and even a bag.
Behold, 10 of the Most Beautiful Flowers in the World!
Take a look at the world's most beautiful flowers in this collection of photos we have made just for you to enjoy and share with your friends.
WATCH: 12 Stunning Underwater Landscapes On Video
Live under the waves is fascinating and beautiful, but it's only recently that we've been able to capture it in all its glory. View these 12 stunning videos.
WATCH: Crows Are a Lot Smarter Than You Imagine
I never thought birds could be this intelligent...
These Cute Animal Encounters Took People by Surprise
Enjoy these touching images of harmony between animals and humans.
The Colorful and Beautiful Birds of Paradise!
This amazing video brings to life the most beautiful and stunning of birds!