The Iberian horse is of North African origin according to DNA evidence
By sequencing the DNA of ancient Iberian horses, an international research team has found that these iconic animals have a completely North African origin. The results, published in Science Advances, show that the ancient Iberian horse was closely related to the North African barb horse. The Barb is a breed of horse that originated in the Tamazgha region, i.e. North Africa, the country of the Amazighs, which includes the western part of North Africa. The team sequenced the DNA of ancient Iberian horses found at archaeological sites throughout Spain and Portugal, as well as modern Berber Barb horses.
After many years of research and study, it was discovered that the origins of the Iberian horse can be traced back to North Africa. DNA evidence reveals that the Iberian horse is descended from a lineage of horses that lived in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. This research provides clear evidence of a North African origin for the Iberian horse, and also confirms its close relationship with the Berber breed. Furthermore, this research also showed that the Iberian horse is closely related to two other Spanish breeds: the Sorraia and the Retuerta.
Recent studies of ancient DNA from Iberian horses have revealed that these horses are of North African origin. Genome-wide analysis of ancient horses suggests that a small number of horses were brought to the Iberian Peninsula approximately 3,000 years ago, and that this group is the ancestor of the majority of today's Iberian horses. This is a remarkable discovery, as it indicates that this only group of horses has been present in the area for thousands of years and has adapted to local conditions to survive. Furthermore, genetic analysis was able to identify a number of signatures in the DNA that suggested that these horses may have been selectively bred by humans in order to enhance certain physical and mental traits.
Recent discoveries in the genetics of the Iberian horse have revealed that this breed is actually of North African origin, rather than European as previously thought. This pioneering research has provided new insight into the history of the horse and the spread of domestication across the continent. Scientists used the latest advances in DNA sequencing and analysis to compare the DNA of Iberian horses with horses from different regions across Europe and North Africa. The results showed a clear connection between the two regions, suggesting that horses from North Africa were brought to Iberia in ancient times.
It was previously believed that Iberian horses were of European origin. However, recent genetic studies have revealed that these horses are actually of North African origin. By analyzing genetic markers, scientists were able to trace the DNA of these horses back to the wild horses of North Africa. This discovery helped shed light on the history and origin of the Iberian horse.
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