Dogs transformed from wolves during the Stone Age, study finds

"A new study has revealed that dogs began their physical transformation from wolves during the Middle Stone Age - several centuries earlier than previously thought. In the 21st century, it is difficult for many to imagine their beloved pets as wild predators, roaming free and potentially posing a threat to communities. While it was originally thought that it was the Victorians who championed domesticity for dogs through selective breeding, the new research has discovered that this transformation actually started over 10,000 years ago."

"An international team of researchers spent over a decade collecting prehistoric canine skills that spanned a period of 50,000 years of dog evolution. By creating digital 3D models of more than 600 skulls, they were able to uncover that dog skulls started to change shape nearly 11,000 years ago, shortly after the last Ice Age. Wolves are thought to have formed a relationship with hunter-gatherers (AFP/Getty) While their ancient wild relatives had more slender, wolf-like appearances, shorter snouts and stockier heads became more commonplace."

The Independent requests donations to fund on-the-ground reporting across topics such as reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech. The outlet investigates issues including the financials of political PACs and produces documentaries, while avoiding paywalls so reporting remains accessible and funded by those who can afford it. A new study revealed that dogs began physical transformation from wolves during the Middle Stone Age, roughly 11,000 years ago. Researchers collected prehistoric canine skulls spanning 50,000 years and created digital 3D models of more than 600 skulls. The models show skull shape changes, with shorter snouts and stockier heads emerging after the last Ice Age.

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