The article summarized ecology and evolutionary biology professor Wayne's research on the genetic origins of dogs. His study found that modern dogs are descendents of Middle Eastern wolves, not Asian or European wolves as previously thought.

“There are dogs closely associated with human culture in the Middle East. They are various sizes, and they are in close proximity to humans. They are buried with them, in various affectionate poses. In one case, a puppy is curled up in the arms of a buried human. We know this was occurring very early," stated Wayne.

John Pollinger, director of UCLA’s Conservation Genetics Resource Center and associate director of the Center for Tropical Research, was also cited.

To read the full article by Marlene Cimons of the National Science Foundation click here.

Published: Tuesday, June 29, 2010