AI Article Synopsis
- The taxonomic classification of the red wolf (Canis rufus) is uncertain, but examining historic specimens from the southeastern U.S. may provide clarity.
- Analysis of mitochondrial DNA from 3 ancient wolf samples revealed unique haplotypes that cluster with coyotes, implying that these canids were either early coyotes, a coyote-wolf hybrid, or a red wolf lineage related to coyotes.
- If the red wolf is confirmed as a distinct species, the findings support the idea of its ancient hybrid origins or a common ancestor shared with coyotes.
Article Abstract
The taxonomic status of the red wolf (Canis rufus) is heavily debated, but could be clarified by examining historic specimens from the southeastern United States. We analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 3 ancient (350-1900 year olds) putative wolf samples excavated from middens and sinkholes within the historic red wolf range. We detected 3 unique mtDNA haplotypes, which grouped with the coyote mtDNA clade, suggesting that the canids inhabiting southeastern North America prior to human colonization from Europe were either coyotes, which would vastly expand historic coyote distributions, an ancient coyote-wolf hybrid, or a North American evolved red wolf lineage related to coyotes. Should the red wolf prove to be a distinct species, our results support the idea of either an ancient hybrid origin for red wolves or a shared common ancestor between coyotes and red wolves.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4885236 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jhered/esw002 | DOI Listing |
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