Tanya
Lewis, LiveScience Staff Writer
Date:
08 February 2013 Time: 09:58 AM ET
Thanks
to human breeders, dogs exhibit an impressive variety of skull shapes. Studying
the genes that determine these shapes could provide insight into human skull
development and craniofacial disorders, scientists say.
In a
new study, scientists detail the biological and historical origins of dog skull
shapes, highlighting some of the genetic
developments that gave rise to different breeds.
"Sometime
during the Paleolithic," the researchers write in the February issue of
the journal Genetics, "a remarkable transformation occurred. Small numbers
of gray wolves adopted a new pack master — humans." Over the years, dog
fanciers and breeders have tinkered with those canines so much that more than
400 dog breeds exist today worldwide.
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