While dingoes and domestic dogs may appear similar at first glance, a deeper look into their genetics reveals striking differences that stem from distinct evolutionary paths. A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) sheds light on the genetic divergence between these two species, despite their common ancestry.
According to Sally Wasef, a geneticist from Queensland University of Technology and co-author of the study, the genetic gap between dingoes and domestic dogs is largely due to the prolonged isolation of dingoes from domestic dogs. “Dingoes have been separated from other dogs for over 3,000 years, which has led to unique evolutionary adaptations,” says Wasef.
Isolation and Lack of Selective Breeding
While domestic dogs have been shaped by selective breeding, dingoes evolved in the wild without the pressures of human-directed breeding. This isolation, along with limited interbreeding with domestic dogs, allowed dingoes to retain their distinct genetic makeup. “This divergence is not only logical but expected,” explains Wasef.
One of the most striking discoveries of the study was the ability to extract complete genomic data from dingo remains that are over 2,000 years old. The research also revealed notable genetic differences between eastern and western dingo populations that date back at least 2,500 years, predating human colonization of Australia. The study debunked previous theories suggesting these populations developed only after human settlement, revealing that these genetic distinctions had long been in place.
East-West Genetic Differences
The researchers uncovered that the genetic divergence between eastern and western dingoes can be traced back to interbreeding with other dog-related species, such as the New Guinea singing dog. These findings allowed the team to trace the common ancestor of native Australian dogs to an early form of domesticated wolves, a proto-dog that also gave rise to modern domestic dogs.
Yassine Souilmi, a co-author from the University of Adelaide, explains, “Dingoes, New Guinea singing dogs, and Southeast Asian village dogs share a common ancestry with domestic dogs, but unlike modern breeds, they have not undergone the selective breeding that shapes contemporary dog varieties.”
The Role of Time and Space in Evolution
The separation of the two dingo populations for around 3,000 years provided ample time for each group to adapt to its unique environment. Souilmi compares this process to human evolution: “The genetic distinctions between the two dingo populations are as significant as the differences between human populations like the Eskimo and the Masai.”
The Importance of Dingo Conservation
The findings of this study not only advance our understanding of the dingo’s unique genetic makeup but also underscore the importance of preserving the species. Dingoes are under threat from ongoing culling programs, and their role in the Australian ecosystem is vital. They also hold deep cultural significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Souilmi emphasizes that understanding the genetic history of dingoes is essential for their conservation. “Preserving dingoes is not only important for biodiversity but also for maintaining cultural heritage and ecological balance,” he says.
This research highlights how the separation of dingoes and domestic dogs over millennia has led to distinct evolutionary paths, reinforcing the need to protect these unique animals from further decline.
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