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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
06:18
Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
Brief communication: DNA from early Holocene American dog
Raul Y Tito1, Samuel L Belknap, Kristin D Sobolik
1Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|May 5, 2011
Summary
The oldest ancient dog DNA in the Americas, dated to 9,260 years ago, was found in Texas. This discovery provides the earliest evidence of dogs being a food source for early Paleoamericans.
Area of Science:
- Paleogenetics
- Archaeology
- Canid genomics
Background:
- Ancient dogs in the Americas are genetically linked to Eurasian wolves.
- Understanding the origins and interactions of early dogs with local canids is crucial.
Observation:
- The oldest genetically identified dog in the Americas was dated to 9,260 ± 170 Cal. B.P.
- DNA was extracted from an ancient dog's occipital bone found in a human paleofecal sample from Hinds Cave, Texas.
- Analysis of mitochondrial DNA revealed ancient American dogs belong to clades rooted by Eurasian wolves.
Findings:
- No evidence of interbreeding between ancient American dogs and local wolves was found, differing from patterns in other regions.
- The study provides the earliest direct evidence of human consumption of dogs in the New World.
Implications:
- This research supports the hypothesis that dogs were a food source for early Paleoamericans.
- The findings offer new insights into the unique relationship between humans and dogs in the ancient Americas.
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