A new study reveals how the genetic diversity of camels is shaped by ancient trade routes, as this animal has been a crucial part of humankind's evolutionary migration. Scientists examined and analyzed DNA samples from the Arabian dromedary camel, from more than 1,000 camels possessing the single, iconic hump.

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Even if camel populations span a distance of hundreds of miles from each other, they are all still very similar in genetic composition. Scientists also believe that this cross continental trade routes caused genetic "blurring" among the camels.

According to Olivier Hanotte from the Nottingham University, the biological evolution and history of the humble dromedary is also fascinating as it provides clues about human history as well. By analyzing the dromedaries, they can provide a glimpse of human history as they have also moved with people through trade.

Researchers found this distinct signature and then comparing this with DNA samples that contains genetic data, across populations within the camel's range. Hanotte says that with the help from an international team, samples were obtained from Oman, Pakistan, Syria nad West Africa.

The dromedary became a domesticated animal 3,000 years ago, to carry around large and heavy goods across Africa and Asia. Trade caravans consisted of thousands of these camels that would have provided transportation across the deserts of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. 

Hanotte explains that people in the early 20th century travel hundreds of miles with camels, as the creatures carry all their important goods. Upon reaching the Mediterranean, the animals naturally arrive extremely exhausted. Those animals would be left there where they will be replenished with new animals for the return journey.

This trend produced genetic "shuffling", that caused the dromedaries to be located in entirely separate continents, but still genetically similar to each other. Genetic diversity among the camels involves mixing up the population, which means that they are more adaptable to extreme changes in environment and weather. 

This new study about the evolution of camel genetics is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

TagsCamels, dromedary camel, ancient migration routes, camel DNA evolution, Human evolution, Genetics