Natural Selection

In the wild, animal traits are shaped not by human choices, but by natural forces. Charles Darwin called this process natural selection. Millions of years of natural selection have led to a range of canines adapted for survival in many diverse habitats.

Today 35 species of wild canines can be found from the tropics to the tundra.

Well suited for survival

Wild canines make their homes in a wide variety of habitats. From the hottest deserts to the icy arctic, the structure and behavior of each wild canine has been modified by natural selection so that it is well suited for survival.

Life in the grasslands

The maned wolf is well adapted for life in the tall grass plains or pampas of South America. Their stilt-like legs aren't for running -- this canine is no speedster. Instead, long legs help maned wolves peer over tall grasses to spot each other and their prey.

Life in the desert

© Dick Meier

The fennec fox makes its home in the desert. Pale fur reflects the sun's rays, and extends over the soles of its paws to protect against burning desert sands. When fennec foxes overheat, they shunt or send blood to their large ears to rapidly dump the excess body heat into the environment.

Life in the arctic

Not many wild canines can survive the frigid temperatures of the arctic. The arctic fox is the only year-round small canine resident of this harsh environment. Its fur goes from white in winter to brown-gray in summer, keeping in line with the seasonal change from white snow cover to brown tundra. To keep warm, it has thick fur that even covers the soles of its feet and tiny ears to reduce heat loss when the temperature dips far below zero.

Life in the forest

The gray fox has a unique adaptation for life in the forest. In addition to small body size and short legs that make it easy to move through the underbrush, the gray fox is the only climbing canine. Using its somewhat curved claws, it scampers up trees to avoid predators as well as to forage for food such birds or their eggs.

Jack of all trades

You could find the coyote in any of the above habitats, except the arctic. The coyote is a generalist. When a species enjoys a wide distribution (when it doesn't depend on one small, specific habitat for its home) it has better odds of avoiding extinction. So, for the most part, species that are generalists have a better chance of long-term survival.