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Scientists study European pig history

DURHAM, England, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- British-led scientists said early European domesticated pigs -- previously believed descended from wild boars -- actually came from the Middle East.

The researchers, led by archaeologists at Durham University, said the early pigs were introduced from the Middle East by Stone Age farmers.

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The scientists analyzed mitochondrial DNA from ancient and modern pig remains. The findings also suggest the migration of an expanding Middle Eastern population -- which included domesticated plants, animals and distinctive pottery styles -- actually "kickstarted" the local domestication of the European wild boar.

The researchers said their study shed new and important light on the actual process of the establishment of farming in Europe.

“Many archaeologists believe that farming spread through the diffusion of ideas and cultural exchange, not with the direct migration of people," said Durham University research fellow Keith Dobney. "However, the discovery and analysis of ancient Middle Eastern pig remains across Europe reveals that although cultural exchange did happen, Europe was definitely colonized by Middle Eastern farmers."

The study appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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