Sneaky Sneaky

Photograph from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Golden jackals from Africa and Eurasia, once thought to be the same species living in different parts of the world, aren't even half-siblings or step-siblings.  They're more like the long lost second cousin once removed because, turns out, the African variety isn't even a Jackal at all.  Recent DNA analysis has revealed that African buggers are actually more resemblant of wolves and the two golden jackal species, although having remarkably similar morphology - meaning they look almost identical - have evolved separately for millennia.  Basically, their genetic stories tell a completely different story while their morphological ones tell the same one. Funny how that happens isn't it.  I guess that's why Jackals are depicted as the tricksters in African folklore.  Those sneaky bastards.