Current location:Stellar Signals news portal > sport
Early man's best friend was the fox as the animal was domesticated by humans, research suggests
Stellar Signals news portal2024-05-21 13:40:43【sport】3People 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.'
Address of this article:http://www.fightbigfood.org/news-01d699989.html
Very good!(98)
Related articles
- California congressman urges closer consultation with tribes on offshore wind
- NASA hears from Voyager 1, after months of quiet
- Rizzo's 2
- Surge in Channel crossings as one in five small boats migrants are now from Vietnam, figures show
- Strictly star Giovanni Pernice's former partner Rose Ayling
- What's in the $95 billion foreign aid package passed by Congress?
- DAILY MAIL COMMENT: At last, Rishi takes the fight to Labour
- Pitchers Kyle Hendricks and Drew Smyly put on injured list by Chicago Cubs
- Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad
- US health officials warn of counterfeit Botox injections
Popular articles
Recommended
Kosovo prepares a new draft law on renting prison cells to Denmark after the first proposal failed
Chinese scientists develop new treatment for tendon
South Carolina Senate wants accelerated income tax cut while House looks at property tax rebate
Blow for Rishi Sunak's hopes of pre
Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
Our friends wriggle out of paying their fair share on holiday
Royal Navy names latest 7,400
McCutchen leads off with home run for second day in row and Pirates beat Brewers 2
Links
- Xiplomacy: How an Economic Corridor Has Changed Lives in Pakistan
- Chinese embassies, consulates to offer temporary visa discounts
- Kids' tour to Harbin becomes online hit
- China's sees 11.81 mln inbound, outbound trips during Golden Week
- Highlights of preliminary round match between Germany and China in women's VNL
- Fiji pins growth hopes on Chinese tourists, plans direct flights from HK
- Xi Focus: Xi Stresses Youth, Solidarity, Inclusiveness in Vision for Shared Future
- Xinjiang's ski resorts draw growing crowds
- Thailand looks to woo 8 mln Chinese tourists
- Fiji pins growth hopes on Chinese tourists, plans direct flights from HK