Hybrids, dog breeds and DNA: What makes a species?
It's a seemingly simple question from What the Duck?! listener Skylar: how do scientists determine a new species?Turns out, it's complicated.And it's got Ann Jones impersonating a dog on the internet to try to find out what breed she is, as well as asking, 'what is a species anyway?'.Featuring:Skyla Seltzer, What The Duck?! listener.Beanz and Henry the dog.Link Olson, Curator of Mammals, University of Alaska Museum.Dr Nicola Rivers, Monash University.Professor Paul Hebert, Scientific Director, International Barcode of Life.Dr Leo Joseph, Australian National Wildlife Collection CSIRO.Tim Low, Biologist and author.Thanks also to Ying Luo for background information.Production:Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer.Petria Ladgrove, Producer.Additional mastering: Hamish Camilleri.This episode of What the Duck?! was originally broadcast in December 2023 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and Kaurna people.
--------
26:06
Modern dogs: What have we created?
The influence of selective breeding by humans has created a doggo for every occasion, but it's not without problematic results.Some breeds have breathing difficulties, hip problems, aggression, or anxiety. There are dogs with ADHD and others with depression.Does our longest-term relationship need couples therapy?Featuring:Dr. Annika Bremhorst, founder of Dogs and Science, and canine scientist at the University of BernProfessor Clive Wynne, animal psychologist, Arizona State UniversityDr. Mia Cobb, Chaser Innovation Research Fellow (Canine Welfare Science), Animal Welfare Science Centre at the University of MelbourneProfessor Chris Johnson, the University of TasmaniaMichael Worboys, Emeritus Professor at the University of ManchesterWith thanks to Paula Pérez Fraga at Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary
--------
25:16
Dogs in Australia: What is a dingo?
This is the story of the domesticated animal that feralised itself.Where did dingoes come from and when?Where does a wild dog stop and a dingo begin?How much can genetics really tell us about Australia's only native dog — and how long do you have to live somewhere to be 'native'?Featuring:Professor Clive Wynne, animal psychologist, Arizona State UniversityDr Angela Perri, zooarchaeologist, Chronicle HeritageKelly Ann Blake, Wadawurrung woman, and Jack the DingoProfessor Greger Larson, evolutionary genomics at the University of OxfordProfessor Euan Ritchie, Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at Deakin UniversityProduction:Ann Jones, Presenter / ProducerNat Tencic, ProducerRebecca McLaren, ProducerJacinta Bowler, ProducerPetria Ladgrove, Executive Producer
--------
25:51
Woofs and wags: What's your dog telling you?
Are puppy dog eyes really a sign of love, or does Fido just want a lil snack?Can dogs really "speak" by pressing talking buttons, or do they just make great content for TikTok?There's more to canine communication than howls and growls — and a wagging tail could be telling you more than you think.Featuring:Dr. Mia Cobb, Chaser Innovation Research Fellow (Canine Welfare Science), Animal Welfare Science Centre at the University of MelbourneProfessor Clive Wynne, animal psychologist, Arizona State UniversityAssociate professor Federico Rossano director of the comparative cognition lab at the University of California San DiegoProduction:Ann Jones, Presenter / ProducerNat Tencic, ProducerRebecca McLaren, ProducerPetria Ladgrove, Executive Producer
--------
25:50
Good dog: Survival of the friendliest
'Man's best friend' sure sounds better than 'obligatory symbiont', but what are the true dynamics at play?There's no denying the bond people feel and the attachment dogs have for their humans, but if we put that beautiful relationship under scientific scrutiny, does it hold up?Can any dog go 'full Lassie' if you (or Timmy) gets stuck down a well? Will your dog save you?Featuring:Professor Clive Wynne, animal psychologist, Arizona State UniversityDr. Mia Cobb, Chaser Innovation Research Fellow (Canine Welfare Science), Animal Welfare Science Centre at the University of MelbourneProfessor Chris Johnson, the University of TasmaniaDr. Annika Bremhorst, founder of Dogs and Science, and canine scientist at the University of BernProduction:Ann Jones, Presenter / ProducerNat Tencic, ProducerRebecca McLaren, ProducerPetria Ladgrove, Executive Producer
New Zealand