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Posted: 14th February 2013

Uncovering the domestication of wolves
DNA study to shed light on man's best friend

Scientists are studying DNA found in the bones of ancient wolves in an effort to understand how the predators came to become domesticated.

Wolf domestication is thought to have taken place 35,000 years ago, however, this has not yet been proven.

The research is hoped to clear up divide in expert opinion, in which some believe the process began in East Asia and others say it took place in several places at different times.

Funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, the study will take place at both Durham and Aberdeen University. Researchers will be using the latest DNA techniques on bone, teeth and other remains found across Asia and Europe.

Lead researcher Dr Greger Larson, a reader and ancient DNA expert at Durham's Department of Archeology, believes wolf domestication took place over some time.

He said it was not an intentional strategy by humans but, unlike foxes that would shun humans, wolves became tolerated and helped hunt and kill larger animals.

"It is remarkable that, despite the fact we have a good feel for the times and places of when cows, sheep, goats and pigs were domesticated, we still don't have the first clue about [wolves]," commented Larson.

"Using a combination of state-of-the-art techniques, we hope to change that."



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