Who appeared first: cats or dogs? - briefly
The exact origin of both cats and dogs is difficult to pinpoint due to their ancient lineages and the lack of fossil records. However, genetic evidence suggests that cats may have been domesticated earlier than dogs.
Who appeared first: cats or dogs? - in detail
The question of which species, cats or dogs, appeared first on Earth is a fascinating topic that delves into the depths of evolutionary history. To address this query comprehensively, it is essential to understand the timeline of domestication and the origins of both species.
Dogs, scientifically known as Canis lupus familiaris, are believed to have been the first domesticated animals. The process of dog domestication began approximately 15,000 to 40,000 years ago. This wide range reflects the ongoing debate among scientists regarding the exact timing and location of this significant event. However, the most widely accepted theory suggests that dogs were first domesticated from wolves in Eurasia during the late Pleistocene epoch.
In contrast, cats, scientifically referred to as Felis catus, have a more recent history of domestication. The process is believed to have started around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East. This area, which includes modern-day Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, was particularly rich in agricultural resources, providing an ideal environment for the domestication of cats.
The divergence between wildcats and domestic cats is further supported by genetic evidence. Studies have shown that all domestic cats share a common ancestor, the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which inhabited the Near East around 100,000 years ago. However, the actual domestication process likely began much later, coinciding with the advent of agriculture in the region.
To summarize, while both cats and dogs have ancient lineages tracing back to their wild ancestors, dogs were the first to be domesticated by humans. This distinction is based on both archaeological findings and genetic analyses, which place the initial stages of dog domestication thousands of years before that of cats.