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Black Wolves Got Color From Domestic Dogs

Black fur proof of dog legacy

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 6, 2009 8:16 AM CST
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(Newser) – Researchers have found the genes of dogs in some North American wolves, linked to interbreeding some 15,000 years ago, reports Wired. The black fur of some forest-dwelling wolves is the result of the long-ago matings with dogs, likely kept as companions by American Indians. The dalliances may have strengthened the wolves' immune systems—and their camouflage abilities, researchers believe.

“This is pretty unique,” said a Stanford University biologist, lead author of the study. “Typically, you’d expect gene flow from domestic to wild animals would not be beneficial." There is no evidence of recent interbreeding between dogs and wolves, he noted.

Wolves walk across the frozen shallows of Lake Superior near the shoreline on Isle Royale.
Wolves walk across the frozen shallows of Lake Superior near the shoreline on Isle Royale.   (AP Photo/Michigan Tech University, John Vucetich)
Romeo, a black wolf without a pack, is shown patrolling the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska, last year.
Romeo, a black wolf without a pack, is shown patrolling the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska, last year.   (AP Photo/Steve Quinn)
Romeo, a black wolf without a pack, is shown sitting in the snow near the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska.
Romeo, a black wolf without a pack, is shown sitting in the snow near the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska.   (AP Photo/Steve Quinn)
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Wolves' black color tied to gene mutation in dogs
New York Times

Researchers report wolves in dogs' clothing
Associated Press

Abstract of wolf study
Science

 
Stanford University • dog • wolves • Tovi Anderson • Yellowstone National Park • Bering Land Bridge • University of Calgary • Paul Paquet

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