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Scientists study European pig history

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.

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.

Read entire article at UPI