Project Title: An Archaeogenetic Study of Prehistoric Canids in Morocco: New Perspectives through Ancient DNA and Stable Isotopes.
Background and Research Context: The domestication of dogs (Canis familiaris) represents one of the earliest and most significant milestones in the history of human-animal relationships. Dogs are shown to be the first animals to have been domesticated, originating in the Late Pleistocene (30,000– 15,000 years ago). This process not only transformed the evolutionary trajectory of Canis species but also played a critical role in shaping human societies by influencing subsistence strategies, mobility, and cultural practices. While significant progress has been made in understanding dog domestication, many questions remain, particularly regarding their origins and domestication processes. European evidence suggests multiple regions of domestication involving various wolf populations, yet North Africa—especially Morocco—remains underexplored as a potential center for Canis dispersal, adaptation, or domestication. Morocco's unique geographic position at the crossroads of Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Levant makes it a key area for studying Canis remains. This research offers opportunities to:
Investigate the genetic ancestry and evolutionary dynamics of Canis populations in North Africa.
Explore the role of external influences (e.g., migration from Europe or the Levant) versus local processes in shaping these canine populations.
Shed light on the spread of agriculture and its impact on animal domestication in the region.
This project examines Canis remains approx. 20-25 samples (bones and teeth) from well-documented archaeological sites across Morocco—spanning the Late Pleistocene and Holocene—along the eastern, Mediterranean, and Atlantic regions. The key sites include: Taforalt Cave, El Harhoura II cave, El Mnasra cave, Dar es-Soltane II cave, Contrebandiers cave and Hattab II cave.
Implementation: This PhD project will be carried out in collaboration with the Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment (SHEP) at Tübingen University, under the mentorship of Dr. Chris Baumann andProf. Cosimo Posth.
Planned goals:
- Ancient DNA Analysis: Process bone and tooth samples for mtDNA capture and sequencing at Tübingen University to determine genetic ancestry.
- Stable Isotope Analysis: Extract collagen and analyze δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N isotopes to infer diet and ecological niches. Integrate isotopic and genetic data to explore canid subsistence strategies and environmental adaptations.
- Data Integration and Preliminary Interpretation: Compare genetic results with reference datasets to assess regional affinities and external influences. By combining isotopic data with genetic findings, we can better understand the role of these canids in past ecosystems and their potential domestication pathways. Finally, discuss preliminary findings with the research team to refine further analyses.
Innovation and Contribution: This project breaks new ground in multiple ways:
- It focuses on Ancient DNA from prehistoric canids in North Africa, a region that remains understudied in global archaeogenetic research.
- The integration of genetic and isotopic research offers a new perspective to understand human-animal relations and environmental adaptations of Canine populations during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene in Morocco and North Africa.
Significance of the Senckenberg Fellowship: The SHEP fellowship at Tübingen University offers a unique opportunity to advance my research using state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary expertise. Working with Prof. Cosimo Posth’s paleogenetics group will provide essential training in ancient DNA analysis, while collaboration with Dr. Chris Baumann will enable the integration of isotopic and genetic data. This experience will enhance my technical skills in DNA extraction, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics, contributing to both my academic and professional development.
