Dire Wolves Were Real! But Not Wolves

Direwolves, often seen in fantasy, were real predators during the Ice Age. Recent studies reveal they are not closely related to gray wolves, diverging around 5.7 million years ago. Despite physical similarities due to convergent evolution, genetic analysis shows direwolves are distinct, possibly belonging to the genus Eno scion. Their extinction may be linked to genetic isolation, unlike gray wolves who interbred with other canines. This genetic exchange may have helped gray wolves adapt and survive, highlighting the importance of genetic diversity in species survival.

What does the term 'convergent evolution' mean in the context of direwolves and gray wolves?

What role did genetic isolation play in the extinction of direwolves?

Why might direwolves have been less adaptable compared to modern canines?