Molecular and Evolutionary History of Melanism in North American Gray Wolves

摘要: Morphological diversity within closely related species is an essential aspect of evolution and adaptation. Mutations in the Melanocortin 1 receptor (Mc1r) gene contribute to pigmentary natural populations fish, birds, many mammals. However, melanism gray wolf, Canis lupus, caused by a different melanocortin pathway component, K locus, that encodes beta-defensin protein acts as alternative ligand for Mc1r. We show melanistic locus mutation North American wolves derives from past hybridization with domestic dogs, has risen high frequency forested habitats, exhibits molecular signature positive selection. The same also causes coyote, latrans, Italian wolves, hence our results demonstrate how traits selected domesticated can influence morphological their wild relatives.