Timberwolf On The Alert

In 2010, a study compared the mitochondrial DNA haplotypes of 24 ancient wolf specimens from western Europe dated between 44,000-1,200 YBP with those of modern gray wolves. The phylogenetic tree indicated that the haplotypes represented two haplogroups that were separated by 5 mutational steps. Haplogroup 1 formed a monophyletic clade (indicating a common ancestor). All other haplotypes were basil in the tree and these formed 2-3 smaller clades that were assigned to haplogroup 2. Haplogroups 1 and 2 could be found spread across Eurasia but only haplogroup 1 could be found in North America. The ancient wolf samples from western Europe all belonged to haplogroup 2, indicating haplogroup 2 predominance in this region for over 40,000 years before and after the Last Glacial Maximum. A comparison of current and past frequencies indicated that in Europe haplogroup 2 became outnumbered by haplogroup 1 over the past several thousand years but in North America haplogroup 2 became extinct and was replaced by haplogroup 1 after the Last Glacial Maximum. Access into North America was available between 20,000-11,000 years ago, after the Wisconsin glaciation had retreated but before the Bering land bridge became inundated by the sea. Therefore, haplogroup 1 was able to enter into North America during this period.
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