Sophistication of gray wolves

Gray wolves, also known scientifically as Canis lupus, are very sophisticated creatures especially in the aspects of their social interaction between members of their species and their level of intelligence.

Most gray wolves are part of packs and in their wolf population, since there are usually more males than females, there is seldom and unmated female. Unlike other canine species such as dogs, gray wolves are mostly monogamous. This is similar to human relationships like marriage. In the case of gray wolves, the mated pairs usually stay together for the rest of their lives unless in the event that their mate dies. If that does occur, social relations within the pack are quickly re-established. Pair bonding, which is the strong affinity that develops between members of the same species which leads to a lifelong bond, is what most gray wolves experience.

Furthermore, gray wolves are also very intelligent in the sense that reports and studies have indicated that they are able to remember, associate events and learn. Gray wolves also can learn from experience on how to avoid and trigger the traps without getting caught. Also, “even though the cognitive skills at the basis of conflict resolution in canids still have to be investigated in detail, our study shows an unexpected similarity between wolves and the great apes.” (E Palagi, G Cordoni – Animal behaviour, 2009 – Elsevier)

Due to the apparent intelligence of gray wolves, their similarity in behaviour to great apes and their social behaviour seem to somewhat resemble human behaviour and interactions, does their intelligence not make you wonder whether the reason for them being monogamous is due to them having evolved to the extent where they have developed human values?