Bonn-Oberkassel Dog: A Window into Prehistoric Human Relationships

The discovery of the Bonn-Oberkassel dog is a fascinating one. The remains were found in a grave with two humans, dated to around 14,200 years ago.

This unique find provides a rare glimpse into the relationships between humans and animals in prehistoric times. The dog was buried with its human companions, suggesting a close bond between species.

The grave's contents also included stone tools and personal items, which may have held sentimental value for the humans. This suggests a level of emotional connection between humans and their animals.

Prehistoric dogs have a rich genetic legacy that has been studied by scientists. One notable study published in 2021 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that the origins of prehistoric dogs are complex and multifaceted.

The earliest evidence of dog domestication dates back to the Upper Palaeolithic period, around 14,000 to 10,000 years ago. In fact, a 2011 study published in PloS one found new evidence of small domestic dogs in South-Western Europe during this time period.

Research on the Bonn–Oberkassel dog, a 14,223-year-old dog found in Germany, has shed light on the history of dog domestication.

Research History has a rich and fascinating past. The concept of research dates back to ancient civilizations, with the earliest recorded research being conducted by the ancient Greeks.

The ancient Greeks were known for their curiosity and love of knowledge, which led to significant advancements in various fields, including philosophy, mathematics, and science.

One notable example is the work of Aristotle, who conducted extensive research on various subjects, including biology, physics, and metaphysics. His works had a profound impact on Western philosophy and continue to influence research today.

The Middle Ages saw a decline in research, but the Renaissance sparked a renewed interest in scientific inquiry. This period saw the emergence of prominent figures such as Galileo and Leonardo da Vinci, who made groundbreaking contributions to their respective fields.

The scientific method, which is still used today, was formalized during the 17th century by scientists such as Francis Bacon and René Descartes. They emphasized the importance of observation, experimentation, and empirical evidence in the research process.

The Industrial Revolution brought about significant advancements in technology and research methods, enabling scientists to conduct more complex and precise experiments. This led to major breakthroughs in fields such as physics, chemistry, and biology.

Upper Palaeolithic small domestic dogs in South-Western Europe were first discovered in 2011 by a team of researchers led by N. D. Ovodov. Their findings were published in the journal PloS one.

These dogs were found to be small in size, and their discovery provided new evidence for the presence of domestic dogs in the region during the Upper Palaeolithic period.

The researchers used various methods to date the remains, including radiocarbon dating, which confirmed that the dogs were at least 11,500 years old. This discovery pushed back the previously accepted date for the presence of domestic dogs in Europe.

Here's a brief summary of the researchers involved in the study:

The Bonn–Oberkassel dog was a relatively small animal, with a height of 40–50 cm (16–20 in) at the shoulder. This is comparable to the Indian wolf and some breeds of sighthound.

It's estimated that the dog weighed between 13–18 kg (29–40 lb). This suggests a relatively slim build for the animal.

The dog's bones, which included 32 identifiable fragments, were found to be from a relatively young animal. The estimated age at death was around 7.5 months.

The cranial growth plate of the lumbar vertebra is closed, which usually happens at 7 months in modern dogs.

The Bonn–Oberkassel dog is a fascinating find, and there's a lot we can learn from its discovery.

The remains of the dog were found in 1914 and consist of a significant portion of the skeleton.

We can estimate the height of the dog at shoulder level to be around 46.8 centimeters (18.4 in), based on the diameter of a left diaphyseal humeral fragment.

The remains include parts of the right lower jaw, premaxilla, a coronoid process, and seven loose teeth.

These finds are incredibly valuable for understanding the lives of prehistoric canines and their relationship with humans.

Growth plates are areas at the end of cartilage in which bone growth takes place, and these harden into bone when growth stops.

The Bonn-Oberkassel dog is a remarkable discovery that sheds light on our ancient relationship with dogs. The exact time and place where dogs were first domesticated is unknown, but it's clear that we had domestic dogs by at least 15,000 years ago.

Archaeologists have found evidence of dogs being kept as pets, not just for their utility. The remains of the Bonn-Oberkassel dog, a 14,000-year-old puppy, suggest that early humans formed emotional bonds with their dogs.

This puppy's care while it was ill and of no use to people was likely driven by compassion or empathy. The fact that it was treated with such care tells us more about human behavior than anything else.

The evidence suggests that emotional relationships between humans and dogs existed 14,000 years ago. This is not a real surprise, as many people who work or live closely with animals develop strong emotional bonds.

The domestication of dogs is still a topic of debate, with some theories suggesting they might have been domesticated as far back as 30,000 years ago. However, the remains of the Bonn-Oberkassel dog provide us with a unique glimpse into our ancient past.

Here are some key dates and facts about the domestication of dogs: