By Tyler Butler 10S, for the Evolution Research CAT
THE GREAT WOLF EVENT
During this time (the Pleistocene era) the ancestor to all modern wolves, the Canis, first appeared and began to spread.
This was predicted to be because of intense continenetal glaciations occuring for the first time, creating large flat biomes for the Canis and other species to thrive in.
800KYA - The appearance of 'Canis Lupus'
Approximately 800kya, it is predicted that the 'Canis Lupus' first appeared in modern-day Europe / UK.
This occured during the Middle Pleistocene Era.
It is believed that this began with the appearance of Grey Wolves, and that they looked similar as they do today
100KYA - Migration of the 'Canis Lupus'
During this tme, the 'Canis Lupus' migrated across several continents.
Originally occupying just modern-day Europe, the wolf began to spread, appearing in Northern America and heading across parts of Asia, particuarly modern-day Russia.
As this species spread, it evolved into the modern species we see today to match their new enviroments.
This is assumed to be when the first of the Red and Grey subspecies of wolves formed.
The Four main subspecies are as follows:
Grey, Red, Arctic and Northwest.
1700-1800 - First spotting of the Red Wolf by humans
During this period, the original settlement of Northern America occured.
In this time, WIlliam Bartman is accredited with being the first person to discover the red wolves.
He kept a record in his journal, and compared them to their northern relatives, the Grey Wolf.
Unfortunately, due to their location, the Red Wolves were also hunted shortly after their discovery, which (over time) led them to their critically endagered state they are in today.
Evolution from Migration: Grey Wolf
This is the most common form of wolf today, said to be the initial evolution into the 'canis lupus' species we have today.
They inhabit colder climates such as Canada, and their main distinction from the other three is their much larger size and population.
Evolution from Migration: Red Wolves
This is the most critically endangered species of wolf to exist in modern times, due to being actively hunted.
They inhabit parts of Southern USA (Originally in the Florida - Texan areas), and their primary distinction is their longer ears, which means they are commonly mistaked for coyotes.
Evolution from Migration: Arctic Wolf
The Arctic Wolf is a wolf subspecies adapted to the very coldest of conditions, hence its name.
The main distinction from the other four species is its incredibly thick coat, in order to survive much colder and harsher climates.
Evolution from Migration: Northwestern Wolf
This is second in population to the Grey Wolf, being slightly smaller in global appearance.
However, it is arguably the largest wolf species on the planet.
These wolves inhabit areas of Northern U.S.A (Carolina) and Canada, as well as Alaska. This means they share common enviroments with the Grey Wolves.