Dingoes and domestic dogs may look similar, but a recent study in PNAS reveals that their genetic makeup tells a different story. Geneticist Sally Wasef from Queensland University of Technology explains that the key factor in the genetic difference between dingoes and domestic dogs is the period of isolation. Dingoes have been isolated from other domestic dogs for over 3,000 years, leading them down distinct evolutionary paths.
Unlike domestic dogs, dingoes have evolved in the wild without selective breeding. This isolation from domestic dogs has preserved their unique genetic makeup. The study not only confirmed the expected domestic-dingo divergence but also uncovered surprises. Researchers were able to recover full genomic data from dingo remains over 2,000 years old. They also found significant variations between dingoes from the east and west parts of the continent dating back at least 2,500 years. Additionally, modern dingoes showed little to no interbreeding with contemporary dogs, debunking previous hypotheses about their divergence following human colonization.
The genetic analysis revealed that the east-west differences in dingoes arose from interbreeding with other dog-related species like the New Guinea singing dog. This allowed researchers to trace the common ancestor of native Australian dogs back to an early form of domesticated wolves. Yassine Souilmi, a co-author from the University of Adelaide, emphasizes that while dingoes share ancestry with domestic dogs, they have not undergone the intensive breeding that modern dog breeds have experienced.
With about 3,000 years to adapt to their environments, the two separate dingo populations have evolved significantly. Souilmi compares the genetic distinctiveness of dingoes to the differences between human populations, highlighting the importance of understanding and preserving these unique animals. Dingoes are currently facing threats from lethal culling programs, despite their cultural significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their essential role in the Australian ecosystem.
By shedding light on the genetic origins of dingoes and their distinction from domestic dogs, this study underscores the importance of conservation efforts to protect these iconic Australian animals. The research not only enhances our understanding of dingoes but also emphasizes the need to respect and preserve their genetic diversity for future generations to appreciate.
