Ancient Wolf DNA Could Solve Dog Origin Mystery

Discussion in 'Science' started by primate, Jul 21, 2017.

  1. primate

    primate Well-Known Member Past Donor

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2014
    Messages:
    1,205
    Likes Received:
    370
    Trophy Points:
    83
    DNA from a wolf rib from around 35K years ago may reveal both dogs and wolves evolved from a least common ancestor rather than dogs evolving from wolves directly. Also, the genetic clock appears to be slowed from past considerations which puts the fossil record more in line with the DNA now.

    Dogs have shorter faces (brachycephaly) and smaller teeth as well as less intracranial volume. The study doesn't equate domestication but merely discusses a more reconciled genetic and fossil record as well as issue of an unknown and now extinct species of wolf being the ancestor of grey wolves and dogs.

    It probably does push back both domestication and the origin of Canis lupus familiaris from 9-15K years ago.

    https://www.livescience.com/50928-wolf-genome-dog-ancient-ancestor.html
     
    Diablo and HereWeGoAgain like this.

Share This Page