Genomes from hundreds of horses dating from about 7,000 years ago to the 20th century reveal when and how key traits were selected during domestication. Researchers identified genetic variants that shifted from rare to common, signaling human-driven selection. Variants linked to anxious behavior and anatomical features suited for transport increased strongly over the past 5,000 years. A variant of ZFPM1 rose in frequency around 5,000 years ago and may influence temperament. Modern horses trace primary ancestry to the steppe north of the Caspian Sea around 4,200 years ago. Selective breeding favored tameness and physical traits facilitating riding and hauling.
And while the history of the combustion engines that eventually replaced horses is well understood, precisely how and when our ancestors transformed wild animals into docile and rideable domestic companions has been debated, pieced together from studies of ancient teeth and bones. But a new study of ancient DNA sheds light on how modern horses came to be, pinpointing key genetic changes that shaped their bodies and behavior, helping make the wild animals more docile and rideable.
For clues about how humans shaped horse evolution, researchers looked for versions of genes that underwent clear shifts, from scarce to common - a sign that people chose to breed horses with traits linked to those genes. They found genes that modulate anxious behavior and made horses bodies more adept for transport had been strongly selected over the past 5,000 years.
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