Evolution & Human Origins

A recent study has unveiled the earliest genetic evidence of domestic dogs, pushing back our timeline of when humans first partnered with canines. By analyzing ancient dog DNA, researchers identified dog remains in Anatolia dating back 15,800 years. Published in Nature, the findings confirm dogs lived alongside hunter-gatherers during the Paleolithic era, long before agriculture. The team recovered whole genomes from Upper Paleolithic sites, including Pınarbaşı in Turkey and Gough’s Cave in the UK. Results revealed that by 14,300 years ago, dogs had already spread across western Eurasia. Prior to this, the earliest confirmed genetic record was 10,900 years ago, making this a monumental leap in our historical timeline. A Woman's Best Friend: The Herstory of Dog Domestication Study sheds