Abstract
During the last years, the study of Y chromosome diversity has greatly contributed to the understanding of the structure and history of human populations. However, Y chromosome markers are seldom used in studies of natural populations. Recent technological advances are now starting to allow larger genome screenings, wich facilite the use of these markers on non-model organisms. In this project we propose the use of such markers for the study of wild and domestic Canidae (Order Carnivora). The combination of the Y chromosome markers with autosomal markers and mtDNA sequences will provide more complete genetic information, allowing the independent testing of phylogenetic hypothesis the contrast of the different roles that males and females play in populations. We will use Y chromosome sequences to assess the phylogenetic relationships between the species of this Family, using this as an independent line of evidence to compare with the mitochondrial phylogeny. We will develop SNP markers to study the relationship between the species of the genus Canis in North America and the male wolf contribution to the dog domestication process. A combination of these SNP markers with Y chromosome microsatellites will be used to study the relationship between European wolf populations and to assess the frequency of their hybridization with dogs. Finally, these last markers will also be used to assess the biases in the contribution of the sexes to the origin of the dog breeds.
Sweden