Your current location:HOME >world >Early man's best friend was the fox as the animal was domesticated by humans, research suggests 正文
TIME:2024-05-21 11:52:47 Source: Internet compilationEdit:world
Notorious 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.
However, 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.'
Lynn Williams breaks NWSL goal2024-05-21 11:36
My Dream Is to Become a Director in China2024-05-21 10:55
Shenzhen Beautiful City for Children2024-05-21 10:42
Israeli intelligence 'jammed GPS signals to confuse attackers'2024-05-21 10:41
What a blast to work at NASA. Space agency is sky2024-05-21 10:26
Mother's Entrepreneurship Recycling Fund Celebrating 25th Anniversary2024-05-21 10:23
Farmer Helps Rural Residents Get Rich by Producing Handmade Tea2024-05-21 10:02
German Vlogger Documents China's Ethnic Groups2024-05-21 09:58
Children are evacuated from school 'during an exam' after threat made via email2024-05-21 09:16
Miao's History, Culture Shine at Xiangxi Miao Drum Dance2024-05-21 09:11
Hollywood star Shia LaBeouf is spotted on the streets of Gavin and Stacey's hometown Barry2024-05-21 11:52
Overseas Returnee Inherits, Revitalizes Traditional Craft2024-05-21 11:21
Rural Woman Establishes Museum to Display Unique Charm of Miaos' Embroideries2024-05-21 10:43
Miao's History, Culture Shine at Xiangxi Miao Drum Dance2024-05-21 10:30
Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad2024-05-21 10:19
Tianjin, A City Where Historic Legacy, Modernity Come Together2024-05-21 10:12
Helping Fellow Villagers Attain Wealth2024-05-21 09:55
Pipa: Ancient Tunes on Emotionally Charged Strings2024-05-21 09:33
Strictly star Giovanni Pernice's former partner Rose Ayling2024-05-21 09:31
I'm a former flight attendant2024-05-21 09:26