- New scientific research delving into the oldest canine genes ever studied has significantly pushed back the timeline of humanity's enduring companionship with dogs, revealing that our "best friends" have been by our side for thousands of years longer than previously thought.
- Scientists developed a new method to study ancient canine DNA, which is often contaminated, by isolating specific dog genetic material from over 200 remains.
- They identified the oldest dog genes dating back approximately 15,800 years. This groundbreaking discovery extends the known origin of domesticated dogs by at least 5,000 years.
- The genes showed that dogs were already spread out across Western Europe and Asia 14,200 years ago, at a time before agriculture and farming. These dogs lived with hunter-gatherer humans who were constantly on the move.
- While the exact appearance and role of these early dogs remain somewhat unknown, researchers speculate they likely resembled smaller wolves and may have assisted humans with guarding, hunting, or even playing with children.
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