Genes intended to digest and socialize carbohydrates make the dog
2013/01/30 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria
According to a study published in the journal Nature, genes capable of digesting carbohydrates were fundamental in the production of dogs. In addition, other genes related to brain development and behavior are of great importance in the separation of both species.
The genetic study was conducted by a team of researchers from Uppsala University. Specifically, the DNA of 12 wolves and 60 dogs of 14 breeds from different parts of the world have been sequenced and compared. The result has shown that 36 zones (122 genes in total) are key in the evolution of dogs.
Of these areas that separate dogs and wolves, 19 are related to the brain and explain why dogs are more friendly than wolves. Eight others help digest carbohydrates. For example, the genes of the amylase enzyme are much more abundant in dogs than in wolves, so the dog's metabolism is adapted to consume carbohydrates, unlike that of the wolf.
In addition, researchers have highlighted that in our species there has been a similar evolution with the ability to digest carbohydrates, that is, as they have had similar life and diet forms, the metabolisms of dogs and humans have evolved in parallel.
Gai honi buruzko eduki gehiago
Elhuyarrek garatutako teknologia
