Which wild South American camelid is the direct ancestor of the domesticated alpaca?
Answer
The vicuna
The alpaca shares a direct genetic lineage with the vicuna, which serves as its wild ancestor. Genetic studies have confirmed this close relationship, highlighting that the alpaca was domesticated primarily for its exceptionally fine fiber, a trait inherited directly from the wild vicuna. While the llama is also a South American camelid, it is descended from the guanaco rather than the vicuna.
Related Questions
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