A new genomic analysis published in Science suggests that humans and their sled dogs arrived in Greenland roughly 1,000 years ago. The study, which analyzed DNA from 92 Qimmit sled dogs, found a close genetic relationship between the dogs and humans on the island. The research confirms earlier theories about human migration to Greenland, pushing back the estimated arrival time by several centuries.
The Qimmit are an ancient breed of Arctic sled dog, closely related to other sled breeds such as huskies and malamutes. They remain crucial to the culture of the Greenlandic Inuit people, who have bred them for their unique characteristics in the harsh Arctic environment. The study’s findings reveal that the Qimmit share a common ancestor with humans on the island roughly 1,000 years ago.
The research also sheds light on the broader archaeological history of the Arctic, suggesting a rapid migration from Alaska to Greenland by Inuit people and their sled dogs. However, the decline of the Qimmit breed due to climate change and competition from snowmobiles poses a threat to their survival. The study’s results establish a baseline for population genetics, which may aid future conservation efforts.
According to Audrey Lin, an evolutionary biologist, the discovery highlights the importance of understanding dogs in relation to human history. “If we have any curiosity about ourselves, as humans, we have to understand dogs,” she says. Tatiana Feuerborn, a paleogeneticist, notes that the Qimmit’s unique genetic profile suggests they are healthy dogs, with limited health problems despite their inbred nature. The study’s findings emphasize the importance of sustainable breeding practices for maintaining a healthy working dog population.
Source: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/greenland-sled-dog-dna-arctic