DNA markers reveal the complexity of livestock domestication.
A series of recent genetic studies has revealed the remarkably complex picture of domestication in both New World and Old World livestock. By comparing mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences of modern breeds with their potential wild and domestic ancestors, we have gained new insights into the timing and location of domestication events that produced the farm animals of today. The real surprise has been the high number of domestication events and the diverse locations in which they took place - factors which could radically change our approach to conserving livestock biodiversity resources in the future.
Bruford
Michael W
MW
Cardiff School of Biosciences, Main Building, Cathay Park, PO Box 915, Cardiff CF10 3TL, UK. BrufordMW@cardiff.ac.uk
Bradley
Daniel G
DG
Luikart
Gordon
G
D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic / Q000235:genetics*; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; D005819:Genetic Markers; D014644:Genetic Variation; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D010802:Phylogeny
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; D005819:Genetic Markers