Extinct Beringian wolf morphotype found in the continental U.S. has implications for wolf migration and evolution.

摘要: Pleistocene diversity was much higher than today, for example there were three distinct wolf morphotypes (dire, gray, Beringian) in North America versus one today (gray). Previous fossil evidence suggested that these groups overlapped ecologically, but split the landscape geographically. The Natural Trap Cave (NTC) site Wyoming, USA is an ideally placed late to study geographical movement of species from northern middle before, during, and after last glacial maximum. Until now, it has been unclear what type present at NTC. We analyzed morphometrics extant American Alaskan determine which wolves NTC this indicates about migration America. Results show group with Beringian wolves. This provides first morphological mid-continental Their location their radiocarbon ages suggest they followed a temporary channel through glaciers. high levels competition presence adds important data untangling history immigration evolution Canis