New Study Reveals Domestication's Limited Role in Dog Brain Size Reduction

Research shows ecological factors like hibernation also significantly influence brain size in canids.

Domesticated dogs have smaller brains compared to their wild ancestors, but the reduction is not unique among canids.
The study analyzed brain and body sizes of 25 canid species, including ancient dog breeds.
Findings suggest domestication is not the sole evolutionary force driving brain size reduction.
Raccoon dogs, which hibernate, exhibit even smaller brain sizes due to ecological adaptations.
The research calls for a broader perspective on brain size evolution beyond domestication.