Is black coat color in wolves of Iran an evidence of admixed ancestry with dogs

摘要: Melanism is not considered a typical characteristic in wolves of Iran and dark are believed to have originated from crossbreeding with dogs. Such hybrid individuals can be identified the combined use genetic morphological markers. We analyzed two black using 544 base pairs (bp) fragment mtDNA control region 15 microsatellite loci comparison 28 dogs, wolves, four known hybrids. The artificial neural networks (ANNs) method was applied data separate genetically differentiated samples hybrids, determine correct class for specimens. Individual assignments based on ANNs showed that were closer wolves. Also, neighbor-joining network haplotypes, dogs separated, specimens located wolf branch as haplotypes. Furthermore, we compared 20 craniometrical characters 14 other results measures fall within range skulls. found no trace recent hybridization free-ranging Dark coat color might result natural combination alleles coat-color-determining gene, mutation K locus due past or effect ecological factors adaption habitat conditions.