Gene

Steppe

Gene flow

Livestock

Domestication

Genome

Sociology

Demography

Archaeology

Human migration

Pastoralism

Ecology

Ancient DNA

Prehistory

Geography

Upper Paleolithic

Population

Gene pool

Genetics

Genetic variation

Genetic genealogy

Genetic diversity

Biology

Science

Dog domestication was multifaceted Dogs were the first domesticated animal, likely originating from human-associated wolves, but their origin remains unclear. Bergstrom et al. sequenced 27 ancient dog genomes from multiple locations near to and corresponding in time to comparable human ancient DNA sites (see the Perspective by Pavlidis and Somel). By analyzing these genomes, along with other ancient and modern dog genomes, the authors found that dogs likely arose once from a now-extinct wolf population. They also found that at least five different dog populations ∼10,000 years before the present show replacement in Europe at later dates. Furthermore, some dog population genetics are similar to those of humans, whereas others differ, inferring a complex ancestral history for humanity's best friend. Science , this issue p. 557 ; see also p. 522

Origins and genetic legacy of prehistoric dogs