18,000 year old ancient adorable puppy discovered in Siberian permafrost🤯 Dog or a wolf?

Frozen in time for 18,000 years, an ancient adorable puppy discovered in Siberian permafrost has left scientists with a puzzling question - was it a dog, a wolf, or something in between?

Affectionately named "Dogor," meaning "friend" in the Yakut language, this remarkably well-preserved canine was found near the Indigirka River. With intact fur, whiskers, and teeth, Dogor offers a rare glimpse into a time when early canines roamed the Earth. But despite advanced DNA testing, researchers remain unable to determine whether this pup was wild or domestic. Could it be an evolutionary link between wolves and dogs?

David Stanton from the Centre for Palaeogenetics speculates that Dogor may belong to a population ancestral to both species, stating, “The fact that we can't [identify it] might suggest that it's from a population that was ancestral to both: to dogs and wolves.”

This discovery not only deepens the mystery of canine evolution but also underscores the importance of thawing permafrost in uncovering ancient life. As more specimens like Dogor emerge, scientists hope to unlock secrets about the origins of domestic dogs and their wild counterparts.

Currently on display at Russia’s Mammoth Museum in Yakutsk, Dogor continues to intrigue visitors and researchers alike with its enigmatic story.

📚Sources:
• BBC News
• Popular Mechanics
• Indian Express
• Smithsonian Magazine

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