The African wolf is a missing link in the wolf-like canid phylogeny

摘要: Here we present the first genomic data for African wolf (Canis aureus lupaster) and conclusively demonstrate that it is a unique taxon not hybrid between other canids. These animals are commonly misclassified as golden jackals aureus) have never been included in any large-scale studies of canid diversity biogeography, or investigations early stages dog domestication. Applying massive Restriction Site Associated DNA (RAD) sequencing, 110481 polymorphic sites across genome 7 individuals were aligned compared with wolf-like canids (golden jackal, Holarctic grey wolf, Ethiopian side-striped jackal domestic dog). Analyses this extensive sequence dataset (ca. 8.5Mb) show wolves represent distinct more closely related to than jackal. Our results strongly indicate distribution needs be re-evaluated point towards alternative hypotheses evolution rare endemic simensis). Furthermore, extension phylogeny opens new possible scenarios timing location