New World Wolves and Coyotes Owe Debt to Dogs

[n2doc]

Researchers have determined that black-coated wolves, like these in Yellowstone National Park, got their distinctive color from dogs.


By MARK DERR
Published: February 5, 2009

In a bit of genetic sleuthing, a team of researchers has determined that black wolves and coyotes in North America got their distinctive color from dogs that carried a gene mutation to the New World.

The finding presents a rare instance in which a genetic mutation from a domesticated animal has benefited wild animals by enriching their “genetic legacy,” the scientists write in Thursday’s Science Express, the online edition of the journal Science. Because black wolves are more common in forested areas than on the tundra, the researchers concluded that melanism — the pigmentation that resulted from the mutation — must give those animals an adaptive advantage.

Although common in many species, melanism in dogs follows a unique genetic pathway, said Dr. Gregory S. Barsh, a professor of genetics and pediatrics at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the senior author of the paper.

Last year, Dr. Barsh and his laboratory identified a gene mutation responsible for the protein beta-defensin 3, which regulates melanism in dogs. After finding that the same mutation was responsible for black wolves and black coyotes in North America, and for black wolves from the Italian Apennines where wolves have recently hybridized with free-ranging dogs, the researchers set out to discover where and when the mutation evolved.

more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/06/science/06wolves.html?ex=1391662800&en=33bcc4b34c9e50de&ei=5124&partner=digg&exprod=digg

[Vanje]

1. Never seen a black coyote

The North Idaho woods are home to many black wolves.

[hunter]

2. Interesting...

I've never seen a black coyote, but I have seen a few coyotes with unusual colorings of the sort I'd expect to see on domestic dogs.

My sister once brought home a dog that was half coyote. It was an awful critter and she had to give it to someone who lived in the country. It never became truly domesticated, yet it was amicable enough that none of the neighbors ever shot it.

[Orangeone]

3. I had a dog that was part coyote

His mother was a coydog. She had a very different affect from a dog, she was much more wary. He, on the other hand, was a great dog, very vocal--he liked to talk back!

[hunter]

4. I like talking dogs.

We once had a dog that would sing along when I played the harmonica.

We made some exquisitely awful noise together. I think she was part coyote too. The UPS man hated her so much he'd just come up our long driveway and throw the packages out without leaving his truck.