Current location:style >>
Early man's best friend was the fox as the animal was domesticated by humans, research suggests
style288People have gathered around
IntroductionNotorious for raiding bins and preying on pets, foxes are widely considered a nuisance.But they used ...
Notorious for raiding bins and preying on pets, foxes are widely considered a nuisance.
But they used to be man's best friend, according to a study. Researchers analysed remains found at an ancient burial site in Patagonia, Argentina dating back to 450AD.
While it contained the skeletons of 18 adults and six children, there was also evidence that an ancient fox species was buried alongside the humans.
Analysis revealed foxes were buried in the same graves, and had shared a similar diet to humans, indicating a close relationship.
The species of fox discovered - Dusicyon avus - was roughly the size of a German shepherd but is now extinct.
Notorious for raiding bins and preying on pets, foxes are widely considered a nuisance (Stock image)
But, according to a study, they once used to be man's best friend (Stock image)
The researchers, which included scientists from the University of Oxford, suggest the fox was potentially a companion pet for hunter-gatherers.
READ MORE: The dog breeds that really ARE man's best friend - so is YOURS on the list?
AdvertisementHowever, they believe the introduction of the modern dog led to their decline as companion animals.
The study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, reads: 'The co-burial of humans and foxes is a rare archaeological record worldwide, and suggests a cultural or symbolic significance.
'Although the reasons for its inclusion in a mortuary context remain unclear, the most plausible explanation is that this fox was a valuable companion to the hunter-gatherer groups.
'Its strong bond with human individuals during its life would have been the primary factor for its placement as a grave good after the death of its owners or the people with whom it interacted.'
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“International Insights news portal”。http://newcaledonia.tom-paine.com/html-89c499903.html
Related articles
Garcia, Winker go deep as Nats end slide, beat struggling Twins 12
styleWASHINGTON (AP) — Luis García Jr. homered and drove in three runs, Eddie Rosario also had three RBIs ...
【style】
Read moreNFL star Tyreek Hill hints he has TEN kids in new interview and insists he takes care of them all
styleTyreek Hill has appeared to confirm that he has as many as 10 children in a new interview reflecting ...
【style】
Read moreBillionaire Texas oilman inks deal with Venezuela's state
styleMIAMI (AP) — A company started by a Texas billionaire oilman announced a deal Wednesday with Venezue ...
【style】
Read more
Popular articles
- Adela Cernousek of Texas A&M wins NCAA individual golf title for first collegiate win
- Los Angeles marches mark Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
- Jelly Roll hits the gym amid his plans to lose 250lbs
- Dua Lipa showcases her toned legs in a long skirt with a thigh
- ESPN reaches 4
- Xavi will stay with Barcelona for another season, AP sources say. Coach had planned to leave
Latest articles
Massey, Perez hit homers to lead Royals in 8
Maine sheriff's fate rests with governor after commissioners call for his firing
Texas Instruments, Mattel rise; General Dynamics, Teledyne fall, Wednesday, 4/24/2024
Kourtney Kardashian, 45, shows off her incredible post
Seoul AI summit opens with companies including Google, Meta, OpenAI pledging to develop AI safely
With an assist from the Denver Broncos, Colorado becomes 11th state to sanction girls flag football
LINKS
- Thailand to charge entry fees for international traveler from June
- Terracotta Warriors museum sees over 100,000 visits during holiday
- Foreign journalists visit exhibition on Chinese civilization
- Lanzhou New Area witnesses progress in industrial growth
- Line Of Duty's Vicky McClure reunites with co
- Upgraded farmhouses winning Jizhou more visits
- Secrets for the epic achievements in the new era
- Man killed, 9 others injured in shooting during Arkansas block party
- US citizen arrested in Moscow on drug charges appears in court
- Red Sox LF Tyler O'Neill leaves game against Guardians after collision with teammate