Valich,
I know Invert enough by now to know that he is well-educated and would not seriously consider this statement to be factual.
And would you then care to share the epistemological basis for this proposition?
I would make my own proposition based upon this statement by yourself.
You know nothing about me.
"Education" is in the eye of the beholder.
And I am not being 'humorous' about my propositions concerning canine behavior, nor about your behavior being disgusting to me. (I have not, nor will I ever, forget your disgusting display in this thread, Valich. You might choose to pretend that you weren't caught red-handed being a lying little bastard, but I will not enable your self-deception.)
Now.
On to the meat.
If one member of the pack came across this "strong-smelling carcass so as to show off to one's packmates," what would prevent all the packmates from doing the same? Surely they would all be close enough - as a pack - to smell the same source and do the same.
Yes. Absolutely.
Every other member of the pack would likewise roll in the carcass or other strong-smelling piece of whatever.
And what would this do?
I've already stated this quite clearly in an earlier post, but I'll repeat myself for the reading impaired.
A dog pack is a communal affair.
It possesses a pack smell.
This pack smell is created by all the members of the pack rolling in the same objects. (Along with other behaviors, of course.)
Thus, the rolling behavior is a social behavior meant to strengthen the pack bond.
It is
not, as you suggest, meant to assert dominance in a pack. It is a means of group bonding. An amalgamation and an egalitarian process.
However, I also believe that it does contain some degree of competitive behavior as well. This would be per your interpretation. A dog that has been separated from his pack would find scents to roll in which his packmates would not have. He would bring these scents back to his pack on his return. His packmates would gather around and sniff him excitedly and jealously.
Although, it's difficult to assume the reaction. It is possible that the pack might look at him suspiciously. That a separation from the pack is viewed in a negative manner and the unique smells he brings back with him would be a reminder of this separation.
Possibly a combination. An interest in the smell bordering on jealousy. And a paranoia of the outsider bordering on xenophobia.
Also. It contains aspects of communication. A dog is unable to speak about his travels. But his smell is able to convey information.
Also. I believe that camouflage does some part. But, most likely a small part. And one which is not really evolutionarily stable.
After all, as I mentioned several times already, a deer herd would quickly learn the smell of the local dog pack. Making its scent stronger is no true disguise. Perhaps if it limited its rolling to dung, but it doesn't.
Prey does not find the smell of rotting meat comforting.
As to pack behavior.
Perhaps one should distinguish between competitive and bonding behaviors.
There are many aspects to 'pack behavior'. Hierarchical structure is only one aspect.
These species all evolved from ancestral wolves who were all pack animals.
You sure about this?
Jackals evolved from wolves?
I'm not sure myself, but I do know there were ancient species of dogs. It is a mistaken belief that all dog species were derived from wild wolves being domesticated.
Idle Mind,
Conversely, we haven't established that rolling in decaying matter in a pack behaviour, either.
True. It hasn't been established, but can almost be taken for granted. Dogs are highly social animals and thus a large percentage of their behavior can be seen as 'pack behavior'. The social bond is of extreme importance.
However, it can also be said that not only has 'pack behavior' not been established, it has also not been defined. Valich seems to have a competitive viewpoint in mind, completely forgetting about subtler methods of group cohesion.