Dogs were ‘loyal companions to Ice Age hunters’ far earlier than believed, study finds

    Dogs were 'loyal companions to Ice Age hunters' far earlier than believed, study finds

    Title: The Ancient Bond Between Humans and Dogs: A Journey Through Time The world of archaeology has always been fascinating with its discoveries that help us understand our past better. Recently, a study published in the journal Nature revealed some groundbreaking information about man’s best friend – dogs! According to this research conducted by University College London (UCL), it appears that humans and dogs shared an incredibly close bond far earlier than previously believed. The findings were based on ancient DNA found at archaeological sites in the United Kingdom and Turkey, including Gough’s Cave in Somerset, England. Initially, researchers weren’t sure if these skeletons belonged to dogs or wolves due to their similarities; however, by sequencing DNA from these remains and comparing it with over 1000 dogs and wolves worldwide, they were able to confirm that the animals were indeed early domestic dogs. This discovery pushes back our understanding of when humans started domesticating dogs by about 5,000 years. Previously, studies showed that ancient dogs lived alongside humans around 10,000 years ago; however, this new research suggests they had been living with us since the Late Upper Palaeolithic period, which dates back between 14,000 and 16,000 years. This revelation sheds light on our ancient relationship with dogs. It’s fascinating to think about how these early domesticated animals played a significant role in human societies during the Ice Age era. They were not just companions but also likely served as hunters, protectors, and even sources of food for some communities. From an evolutionary perspective, this discovery highlights the strong bond between humans and dogs that has persisted throughout history. It’s a testament to how much our lives have been intertwined with these loyal creatures over thousands of years. As we continue to learn more about our shared past, it becomes increasingly clear just how important dogs were – and still are today – in shaping human civilization. In conclusion, the findings from UCL provide us with a deeper understanding of our ancient connection with dogs. This research not only pushes back the timeline for when humans started domesticating these animals but also offers valuable insights into their role within early societies during the Ice Age era. As we move forward in studying this fascinating relationship between man and dog, it’s clear that they have played a significant part in shaping our world throughout history.

    Source: [Original Article](https://www.foxnews.com/travel/dogs-were-loyal-companions-ice-age-hunters-far-earlier-than-believed-study-finds)

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