You may have guessed by now that I keep up with National Geographic magazine, however I must admit that I am WAY behind reading it right now and thus am just now getting to the February 2012 issue. Though I try to keep up, there is just so much to read! So bare with me as I am a little behind right now.
The cover story for February’s issue is titled “How to Build a Dog,” and though the article is rather shorter than I would prefer it does an excellent job of skimming the topic at hand: mostly, using the variety of dog breeds out there to help understand genetics, and more specifically, genetic diseases. This article definitely covered most of the basic important bits of information, though I was disappointed to find the article didn’t really cover any new information. As someone completely fascinated with canine genetics and evolution, I was hoping for a little bit more depth via novel information.
However, I wasn’t completely disappointed. The article does discuss a study that analyzed the DNA of eighty-five dog breeds in order to reveal how breeders have recombined various “original” breeds to create new ones. They wound up putting the breeds into four categories: wolf-like, mastiff-like, herders, and hunters. All of this was based on DNA analysis, how awesome is that?
I must say, I am getting more excited for grad school with every new piece of information I come across, and I haven’t even applied yet!! 😀
Seriously though, you should go check out the article, especially if you’re as interested in canine genetics or evolution as I am!!
Wolfgang Canidaeus 