Established research has shown the above mentioned species evolved alongside the Dire Wolf. While the Dire Wolf's niche was megafauna, the coyote was more like a jackal.
Recent (2011) studies show that Timer Wolf, Coyote, Red Wolf are very close genetically, in fact closer than some sub-species for example.
Theory is also that the ancestor of the Gray Wolf relocated over the Bering Straight and to come back later and invaded the continent.
Other than genetics, look at the size difference in Coyote populations. When the Gray Wolf is present, Coyote are smaller and resemble a jackal. Their nitch is small mammals
While our coyotes in the Southeastern United states are much larger and their primary food source is Whitetail Deer.
Anyone else think that the Timber, Red, and Eastern Coyote are essentially isolated subspecies of the same species and that Eastern Wolf should be elevated to species status?
Basically something like this
1 Gray Wolf (Canis Lupis) and its subspecies
2. Eastern Wolf (Canis Lycaon) (including Timber Red and Eastern Coyote as subspecies)
3. Western Coyote (Canis Latrans)
Recent (2011) studies show that Timer Wolf, Coyote, Red Wolf are very close genetically, in fact closer than some sub-species for example.
Theory is also that the ancestor of the Gray Wolf relocated over the Bering Straight and to come back later and invaded the continent.
Other than genetics, look at the size difference in Coyote populations. When the Gray Wolf is present, Coyote are smaller and resemble a jackal. Their nitch is small mammals
While our coyotes in the Southeastern United states are much larger and their primary food source is Whitetail Deer.
Anyone else think that the Timber, Red, and Eastern Coyote are essentially isolated subspecies of the same species and that Eastern Wolf should be elevated to species status?
Basically something like this
1 Gray Wolf (Canis Lupis) and its subspecies
2. Eastern Wolf (Canis Lycaon) (including Timber Red and Eastern Coyote as subspecies)
3. Western Coyote (Canis Latrans)