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Ancient Dogs Started Diversifying 11,000 Years Ago, Long Before the Modern Breeds We Know Today
- A Science study shows dog morphology diversified about 11,000 years ago, earlier than expected.
- Researchers used geometric morphometrics to analyze ancient canid remains across the Northern Hemisphere.
- Findings indicate early dogs served diverse roles, including hunting, herding, security, and companionship.
- Oldest dog skull found dates to about 11,000 years ago, illustrating deep roots of domestication.
- The term ‘breed’ is a recent human concept; ancient dogs are better described by morphology.
- Researchers avoided using modern dogs to prevent bias in interpreting ancient forms.
- The study links early diversification to the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Researchers aim to piece together ancient dog history by compiling a large dataset of archeological canids.
- The discovery challenges the view that dog diversity arose only in the last two centuries.
- The research emphasizes that ancient dogs’ skulls may not reveal full details of size or behavior.
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