WASHINGTON, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Dogs may have been domesticated not once, as widely believed, but twice, once in Europe and once in Central Asia or China, a major study said Thursday.
Scientists have debated where domestic dogs come from for a very long time. Some argued that humans first domesticated wolves in Europe, while others claimed this happened in Central Asia or China.
All these claims, according to the new study published in the U.S. journal Science, may be right.
The study, supported by funding from the European Research Council and Britain's Natural Environment Research Council, said that man's best friend may have emerged independently from two separate, possibly now extinct, wolf populations that lived on opposite sides of the Eurasian continent.
The team, led by the University of Oxford and including French researchers based in Lyon and at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, made the conclusion after reconstructing the evolutionary history of dogs.
They first sequenced the genome of a 4,800-year-old medium-sized dog from bone excavated at the Neolithic Passage Tomb of Newgrange, Ireland.
Then, they obtained mitochondrial DNA from 59 ancient dogs living between 14,000 to 3,000 years ago and compared them with the genetic signatures of more than 2,500 previously studied modern dogs.
Their analyses revealed a genetic separation between modern dog populations currently living in East Asia and Europe, one they said occurred several thousand years after the first known appearance of dogs in Europe.
The new genetic evidence also showed a population decline in Europe that appeared to have mostly replaced the earliest domestic dog population there, which supported the evidence that there was a later arrival of dogs from elsewhere.
Lastly, a review of the archaeological record showed that early dogs appeared in both the East and West more than 12,000 years ago, but in Central Asia no earlier than 8,000 years ago.
Combined, these new findings led the researchers to believe that dogs were first domesticated from geographically separated wolf populations on opposite sides of the Eurasian continent.
At some point after their domestication, the eastern dogs dispersed with migrating humans into Europe where they mixed with and mostly replaced the earliest European dogs.
Most dogs today are a mixture of both Eastern and Western dogs -- one reason why previous genetic studies have been difficult to interpret, they said.
The international project is currently analyzing thousands of ancient dogs and wolves to test this new perspective, and to establish the timing and location of the origins of our oldest pet.
""Animal domestication is a rare thing and a lot of evidence is required to overturn the assumption that it happened just once in any species,"" senior author Greger Larson, professor of the Oxford University, said in a statement.
""Our ancient DNA evidence, combined with the archaeological record of early dogs, suggests that we need to reconsider the number of times dogs were domesticated independently,"" he said.
""Maybe the reason there hasn't yet been a consensus about where dogs were domesticated is because everyone has been a little bit right,"" he added. Enditem
" The finest matter with purchasing affordable promenade dresses is that it is unlikely for you to see equivalent models in your local boutique. This suggests you can obtain that unique search you have often wanted. Acquiring wedding attire on the net provides you the uniqueness and class you are looking for and so you can quickly stand out of the crowd throughout the promenade and get the attention of the girls and gentlemen there.
While there comes an enormous challenge '" it is not that hard to find their perfect promenade attire 2013 Tre'Quan Smith Saints Jersey , but to discover a prom apparel that is bought at inexpensive value appears to be an arduous undertaking. There are several outfit kinds, and they occur in just about every shade that you can think about. On the other hand Hau'oli Kikaha Jersey , if you discover a costume that is in mistaken color and model, that could be a catastrophe.
Use a brief gown for a relaxed evening marriage ceremony as well Vonn Bell Jersey , but go for something darker, this kind of as black or navy. A cocktail costume is often appropriate.
Sweet sixteen dresses are perfect for your sixteenth birthday get together. Even if absolutely everyone else is not dressing up Natrell Jamerson Jersey , it truly is your birthday and you can use what you want to. You are entitled to a beautiful gown or cocktail gown to attend your personal birthday celebration in. You will seem the ideal at the occasion and you need to.
A halter gown is an all time beloved at most weddings, which can be almost certainly attribute to be straightforward classy of this style and design. Simply because of this attribute Rick Leonard Jersey , bridesmaid hairstyles to match the design must be classy. There is a simple yet glamorous hairstyle for bridesmaid-the curly hairstyles. This type is an ideal selection for chiffon bridesmaids dress. To make it a lot more attractive, straightforward portion your hair and use a sizzling iron to curl up your very long hair. To match with your tasteful chiffon gown Tre'Quan Smith Jersey , make confident that you create smooth major curls.
With getaway functions fast approaching, now is the time to start purchasing for the great outfits to put on. Just one of the most frequent costume codes for holiday break get-togethers is cocktail apparel. In the course of this time of calendar year vendors start bringing out tons of gorgeous cocktail dresses that are ideal for vacation gatherings P.J. Williams Saints Jersey , so that helps make browsing a very little simpler.