Until now, the researchers speculated that the domestication of the dog ( Canis lupus familiaris ) had occurred in several places independently, as happened, for example, with agriculture. But a genetic study (the most exhaustive to date) published in the scientific journal PNAS suggests that it was a unique event, and that it could have happened between groups of hunter humans living in Mongolia or Nepal.
To reach this conclusion, the DNA of 4,676 breed specimens, with pedigree, and that of 549 mutts, of mixed breed, have been analyzed. After matching the genes that are located closely on the canine chromosomes, experts have located the possible origin of the wolf's descendants somewhere in Central Asia.
It is, however, a controversial result, since previous research also placed it in the Middle East (in the first sedentary settlements) or in Europe. There are also no certainties about the date domestication took place, although some experts date it to around 15,000 years ago.
The authors of this study believe that the process began when wolves approached the remains of prey killed by hunters sapiens, and that evolution later privileged genetic changes (such as meekness and smaller size) that facilitated proximity and even coexistence with humans.
