Our dogs' diversity can be traced back to the Stone Age
Summary
A new study shows that the physical changes from wolf to dog began over 10,000 years ago, during the Middle Stone Age. Researchers found that dogs started to show diverse shapes and sizes much earlier than previously thought, challenging the idea that Victorians were mainly responsible for breed diversity.Key Facts
- Researchers studied over 600 canine skulls from the last 50,000 years.
- The study found that dogs began to show different physical traits approximately 11,000 years ago.
- This change occurred after the last ice age, resulting in a range of skull shapes.
- The study suggests that half of today’s dog breed diversity existed by the middle of the Stone Age.
- Digital 3D models helped researchers compare ancient and modern dog and wolf skull features.
- Dogs were among the first animals domesticated by humans, with evidence suggesting a 30,000-year-old relationship.
- Physical changes might have been influenced by human interaction, varied environments, and diet adaptations.
- The study challenges the belief that breed diversity mainly started with Victorian-era selective breeding.
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