Who and when invented the dog? - briefly
The origin of dogs is attributed to humans, specifically during the late Paleolithic era around 15,000 years ago. This process, known as domestication, occurred when early humans began selectively breeding wolves for desirable traits such as tameness and usefulness in various tasks.
Who and when invented the dog? - in detail
The origin of dogs, specifically their domestication from wolves, is a subject of ongoing scientific debate and research. However, several key theories and discoveries provide insight into who and when dogs were first domesticated.
One of the most widely accepted theories suggests that dogs were first domesticated by hunter-gatherer communities in Eurasia around 15,000 to 40,000 years ago. This process likely occurred as wolves began to scavenge for food near human settlements, a behavior that eventually led to selective breeding by humans. Over time, these early dogs developed traits such as decreased aggression and increased docility, making them suitable companions for humans.
Genetic studies have played a significant role in understanding the timing and location of dog domestication. For instance, a study published in Nature Communications in 2017 analyzed the genomes of ancient and modern dogs, as well as wolves. The researchers concluded that dogs were likely first domesticated from a now-extinct wolf population in Europe around 20,000 to 40,000 years ago. This timeline coincides with the last Ice Age, suggesting that the harsh environmental conditions may have driven wolves and humans closer together, facilitating the domestication process.
Another notable discovery comes from a site in Bonn-Oberkassel, Germany, where archaeologists unearthed the remains of a 14,000-year-old dog buried alongside its human owner. This finding provides direct evidence of the close bond between humans and dogs during the Paleolithic era. The burial site also indicates that by this time, dogs had already undergone significant morphological changes from their wolf ancestors, suggesting a long history of selective breeding.
In addition to genetic and archaeological evidence, cultural artifacts such as cave paintings and sculptures offer further insights into the relationship between humans and dogs. For example, the famous Grotte du Pountal in France features a 15,000-year-old engraving of a dog-like animal, which some researchers interpret as evidence of early dog domestication.
In conclusion, while the exact who and when of dog domestication remains debated, scientific consensus points to hunter-gatherer communities in Eurasia around 15,000 to 40,000 years ago. Genetic studies, archaeological findings, and cultural artifacts collectively support this timeline and provide valuable context for understanding the early stages of human-canine coevolution.