Just like iconic duos such as fish and chips, Batman and Robin, and Jack and Jill, humans and dogs have always been destined to be together. But when did this special bond first form? Scientists may have finally discovered the answer.
A recent study led by researchers from the University of Arizona delved into archaeological sites in Alaska, unveiling that the connection between humans and the ancient ancestors of dogs traces back as far as 12,000 years ago.
“This study provides evidence that humans and dogs shared a close relationship in the Americas earlier than previously thought,” stated the lead author of the study, François Lanoe, Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Arizona. François Lanoe
Initial excavations in 2018 uncovered the lower leg bones of an adult dog dating back 12,000 years in Alaska, shedding light on the close relationship between humans and dogs during that era, especially with signs of possible domestication on the rise.
A more recent excavation in June 2023 unearthed an 8,100-year-old dog jawbone in the same region, providing further evidence of the early human-canid bond. Chemical analysis of the bones revealed evidence of a diet consisting of salmon, suggesting human involvement in the dog’s lifestyle.
While these findings hint at the earliest known relationship between humans and dogs, researchers remain cautious due to the age of the specimens and uncertainties regarding their genetic relation to modern dog populations.
As research continues to unfold, the team hopes to clarify the intricate history behind the companionship between humans and canids, ensuring they are on the right evolutionary path.
Read more:
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
