By Trend News Line 2024-04-10 00:00:11.
Discovery of Ancient Fox Skeleton
In a fascinating archaeological discovery, researchers have uncovered the nearly complete skeleton of an extinct fox in northwestern Patagonia. This fox, believed to be a Dusicyon avus, lived alongside early hunter-gatherer communities in South America. The findings, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, shed light on the relationship between these ancient humans and canines.
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The Unearthing of Cañada Seca Burial Site
The ancient fox skeleton was found at the Cañada Seca burial site in central Argentina, which was accidentally discovered by local clay miners in 1991. Along with the fox remains, the site contained the bones of at least 24 human individuals, as well as artifacts like necklace beads, lip ornaments, and spear points. Analysis of the human bones revealed a nomadic lifestyle dating back roughly 1,500 years ago.
Identity Confirmation of the Fox Skeleton
Initially identified as a Lycalopex, further examination of the foxlike animal’s teeth revealed it to be a Dusicyon avus, a medium-sized fox resembling a jackal. The researchers, led by Dr. Ophélie Lebrasseur and biologist Cinthia Abbona, conducted genetic analyses on the skeleton to confirm its identity. The extinct fox was closely related to the Falkland Islands wolf, which went extinct in 1876.
Insights from Ancient DNA
Despite the degraded nature of the ancient DNA, the research team was able to reconstruct some of the fox’s genetic code. By comparing it with complete genomes from domestic dogs and extant South American canids, they determined that the fox buried at Cañada Seca was indeed a D. avus. This genetic work also dispelled the theory of hybridization between domestic dogs and foxes in the region.
Fox-Human Relationship
The burial of the fox alongside human remains at Cañada Seca raises intriguing questions about the relationship between these ancient canines and humans. Isotopic analysis of the fox’s teeth revealed a diet that included maize-like plant material, similar to what the humans at the site consumed. This suggests a close connection between the fox and the early hunter-gatherer communities.
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Significance of the Discovery
This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence that foxes and other native canids played crucial roles in ancient South American communities. Ornaments made from foxlike culpeos’ teeth have been found at burial sites in Peru and Argentina, highlighting the close relationship between these animals and humans. The findings provide valuable insights into the interconnectedness of ancient ecosystems..
1. Long-tailed foxes
2. Ancient foxes lived and died with humans.
