The tracking of people by trained dogs is based on the recognisation o...
The tracking of people by trained dogs is based on the recognition of carboxylic acids in the sweat from feet.Carboxylic acids as a distinguishing compound in human sweat
- Trained dogs are able to track individuals by following their scent, which is primarily derived from the sweat they produce.
- Sweat is composed of various compounds, including carboxylic acids, uric acid, sugars, and salt.
- Among these compounds, carboxylic acids play a significant role in distinguishing the scent of an individual.
Chemical composition of sweat
- Sweat is a complex mixture of water, electrolytes, minerals, and organic compounds.
- Carboxylic acids, also known as organic acids, are a class of compounds that contain a carboxyl group (-COOH).
- These acids are produced as a byproduct of metabolic processes in the body and are excreted through sweat.
Role of carboxylic acids in scent identification
- Trained dogs have an exceptional sense of smell, which allows them to detect and differentiate between various scents.
- Carboxylic acids present in human sweat have a distinct odor that can be detected by dogs.
- Each individual has a unique combination and concentration of carboxylic acids in their sweat, which forms a specific scent profile.
- Dogs can be trained to recognize and track this scent profile, enabling them to identify and follow a specific person's trail.
Other compounds in sweat
- While carboxylic acids are the primary compounds that dogs track in human sweat, other compounds also contribute to the overall scent.
- Uric acid, sugars, and salt are present in sweat and may add additional information to the scent profile.
- However, carboxylic acids are the most distinguishing compounds and provide the main olfactory cues for trained tracking dogs.
Conclusion
- The tracking of people by trained dogs is primarily based on the recognition of carboxylic acids in the sweat from feet.
- These acids provide a unique scent profile that allows dogs to differentiate between individuals and follow their trail accurately.