北京大学最新论文登上Cell头条

Core Insights - The research reveals the long-standing commensal relationship between leopards and humans in China, lasting over 3,500 years, before the introduction of domestic cats via the Silk Road around the Tang Dynasty [3][10] - The study utilizes ancient DNA analysis from 22 cat remains across 14 archaeological sites in China, providing insights into the timeline and pathways of cat domestication and migration [7][10] Group 1: Historical Context - The study indicates that leopard cats cohabited with humans from the late Neolithic period (around 5,400 years ago) until the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, establishing a symbiotic relationship [3][7] - Domestic cats, traced back to African wildcats, were introduced to China around the 6th to 7th century during the Tang Dynasty, likely through trade routes [5][8] Group 2: Methodology and Findings - The research team analyzed 22 skeletal samples using ancient DNA techniques, successfully recovering mitochondrial genomes and whole genomes from seven samples, confirming the long-term presence of leopard cats [7][10] - The earliest identified domestic cat remains date back to the Tang Dynasty, with a carbon dating of approximately 706-883 AD, suggesting an earlier introduction than previously thought [8][10] Group 3: Genetic Insights - Genetic analysis indicates that all domestic cats in China can trace their lineage back to African wildcats, supporting the theory of a single domestication origin [6][10] - The study highlights the genetic flow between local wildcats and domestic cats in regions like the Tibetan Plateau, indicating interactions between species [6]