Question

When comparing dogs to wolves, scientists found evidence that supports the idea they come from a common ancestor. Which evidence was most important in understanding this?

Answer 1

It was commonly understood in the past the dogs come from a lineage of wolves, but that isn't the case now. Scientists have found out that dogs and wolves come from a common ancestor about 9,000 to 36,000 years ago. This was done through extensive DNA analysis with samples that took into consideration the geographic locations of their origin and of modern isolation. This yielded a result that despite geographical difference, the dogs are more closely related than to wolves. It is now understood that the complication of the genetic relationship between the two was caused mainly by interbreeding during the course of time, but it isn't just that. Some other factors have come into play including the presence of humans.