Your current location:HOME >sport >Early man's best friend was the fox as the animal was domesticated by humans, research suggests 正文
TIME:2024-05-21 14:19:55 Source: Internet compilationEdit:sport
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.'
Jon Wysocki dead at 53: Staind drummer passes away2024-05-21 14:02
Chinese sightseers flock to Tianshui as spicy hot pot goes viral2024-05-21 13:54
Xi Sends Congratulatory Letter to Forum on Global Human Rights Governance2024-05-21 13:52
Xi Sends Congratulatory Letter to Forum on China2024-05-21 13:22
Rangers are undefeated at .500 to keep World Series champs from a losing record with Bochy2024-05-21 13:14
Xi Stresses Cultural Advancement in Letter to Forum2024-05-21 13:10
Golden Beach scenic area in Qingdao remains popular after National Day holiday2024-05-21 12:58
Xi Story: Tackling Public Complaints Head2024-05-21 12:51
Six killed in a 'foiled coup' in Congo, the army says2024-05-21 12:43
China sees 56 new unicorn enterprises in 2023: report2024-05-21 11:45
Kristin Cavallari, 37, ignores critics of her age2024-05-21 14:02
Xi Gives Important Instructions on Party Building and Organizational Work2024-05-21 12:57
Why Did President Xi Visit This Forest Farm?2024-05-21 12:57
Colorful ice sculptures created a fantastical realm in Sun Island Snow and Ice Art Museum2024-05-21 12:17
Jessica Biel CHOPS her long locks into a bob after book signing in Studio City2024-05-21 12:14
Xi Focus: Xi Urges Inner Mongolia to Pursue Green Development, Advance Chinese Modernization2024-05-21 12:06
Xi, Xiomara Castro Chart Course for China2024-05-21 12:02
China's Self2024-05-21 11:54
Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. to lead Indianapolis 500 field in Corvette pace car2024-05-21 11:34
Xi Story: China's Youth Stand at Forefront of Innovation2024-05-21 11:34