For the 9th Annual Symposium, ISG looks in to the co-evolution of dogs and humans from multiple perspectives, including evolutionary biology, genetics, history, behavioral ecology, cultural anthropology, and health sciences. Speakers will give short talks, then will serve as a panel for discussion and Q & A from the audience.
The relationship between dogs and humans is deep, complex, and long-standing. In this symposium, we will address the following questions: How variable is the dog-human relationship within and across cultures, and through time?; How, where and when did wolves evolve into dogs, and what was humans’ role in the process?; How have natural selection, artificial selection and shared culture influenced the bond between dogs and humans?; How has our relationship with, and our dependence on, dogs changed what it means to be human?; What key characteristics of dogs and humans make them so well-suited for one another as companions, and how have these traits co-evolved over time?; How do dogs and humans interpret each other’s behavior and communicate with one another?; Is the spectacular diversity of dog breeds a good thing or a bad thing, and for whom?
To support this and other ISG Public Outreach Events, please visit our donation page and select the ISG Public Outreach Fund. Click here for more information about supporting the Center’s work. Please note a VENUE CHANGE for the Saturday event, due to RAIN. All talks, workshops and demos on Saturday will be held in De Neve Auditorium and Plaza Room, UCLA [floor plan]. See timetable for details and descriptions of events. Poster by William Henri Lucas, Chair, UCLA Design Media Arts.
- Videos on Vimeo
- Press. “An Evolutionary Tale about Dogs and Humans”, UCLA Newsroom
- Speaker Biographies