Key facts
- A new fossil DNA study suggests horses originated in North America millions of years ago.
- An extinct horse lineage called the Dalian horse was found in China.
- The Dalian horse possessed North American ancestry.
- This lineage passed its ancestry to ancient Siberian horse populations.
- This lineage also passed its ancestry to ancient European horse populations.
A groundbreaking study utilizing fossil DNA has revealed that horses likely originated in North America millions of years ago. The research focused on an extinct lineage known as the Dalian horse, whose fossils were discovered in China. Analysis of the Dalian horse's DNA indicated that it possessed North American ancestry. This ancient lineage is believed to have played a crucial role in the genetic makeup of subsequent horse populations, having passed its American heritage to ancient horse populations in Siberia and Europe. The findings suggest a complex evolutionary history and a significant migratory pathway for horses across continents, originating from North America and spreading outwards.