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Old December 9th, 2002, 03:44 PM
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Scientists track origins of domesticated dogs

Scientists track origins of domesticated dogs
Last Updated Fri, 22 Nov 2002 18:23:34

STOCKHOLM - Domestic dogs joined their two-legged masters in the New World 12,000 to 14,000 years ago, according to two new studies.

Swedish and Chinese researchers analyzed the DNA of 654 dogs from Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.

They also found almost all dogs shared a common gene pool. The finding suggests breeding rather than different genetic origins are responsible for the dramatic differences between a tiny chihuahua and a giant St. Bernard.

Peter Savolainen of the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm led the study on Old World dogs, which concluded the animals were domesticated from wolves as recently as 15,000 years ago in East Asia.

The earliest jaw bone thought to be from a dog was found in Germany. Scientists estimate it's 14,000 years old.

A second study by researchers in the United States, Latin America and Sweden said dogs with DNA linked to Eurasian wolves were found in the New World before European explorers arrived in the 15th century.

Their findings suggest the first settlers to America brought domesticated dogs with them when they crossed the Bering Strait.

"We found that dogs originating in the Old World arrived to the New World with immigrating humans," said Carles Vilà of Uppsala University.

Vilà said the speed at which dogs multiplied and diversified suggests the four-legged companions did something important for humans, such as improve the quality of hunting.
The two studies disagreed on when people first started domesticating dogs from wolves. The Swedish-Chinese DNA analysis and archeological evidence points to 15,000 years ago. The other team concluded dogs and humans probably lived together in Asia long before settling in America, perhaps as long as 40,000 years ago.

A third study suggests the close interaction dogs have shared with humans has made them smarter than other animals. For example, dogs were better at using social cues from humans to find food hidden in containers, compared to wolves and chimpanzees.


Source: CBC News Online
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