Which extinct species is the common wild ancestor of the River and Swamp buffalo types?
Answer
Bubalus arnee
The two primary living forms of the domestic water buffalo, the River buffalo and the Swamp buffalo, are understood to have diverged from a common wild ancestor known as *Bubalus arnee*. This wild ancestor is mentioned as existing in fragmented, critically endangered populations, primarily located in areas such as India and Nepal. The differentiation between the modern River and Swamp types is considered one of the most significant recent evolutionary events for *B. bubalis*, taking place after the initial split from the main ancestral stock, and heavily influenced subsequently by human agricultural needs.
Related Questions
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