Mitochondrial DNA Variation in Southeastern Pre-Columbian Canids.
J Hered
; 107(3): 287-93, 2016 May.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-26774058
ABSTRACT
The taxonomic status of the red wolf (Canis rufus) is heavily debated, but could be clarified by examining historic specimens from the southeastern United States. We analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 3 ancient (350-1900 year olds) putative wolf samples excavated from middens and sinkholes within the historic red wolf range. We detected 3 unique mtDNA haplotypes, which grouped with the coyote mtDNA clade, suggesting that the canids inhabiting southeastern North America prior to human colonization from Europe were either coyotes, which would vastly expand historic coyote distributions, an ancient coyote-wolf hybrid, or a North American evolved red wolf lineage related to coyotes. Should the red wolf prove to be a distinct species, our results support the idea of either an ancient hybrid origin for red wolves or a shared common ancestor between coyotes and red wolves.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
DNA Mitocondrial
/
Lobos
/
Coiotes
/
Hibridização Genética
Limite:
Animals
País/Região como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Hered
Ano de publicação:
2016
Tipo de documento:
Article