Dogs from the past: Exploring morphology in mandibles from Iberian archaeological sites using 3D geometric morphometrics

Research reveals continuity in size and morphology of dogs from Chalcolithic and Bronze Age sites in Iberia, particularly in the M1 region, while fragmentary mandibles show slight differences behind it. The study used 3D geometric morphometrics to analyze nine dog hemimandibles, comparing them with modern Iberian wolves, dogs, and red foxes. It found that these ancient dogs retained diagnostic wolf traits in the carnassial zone, suggesting limited morphological change over time in inland regions, contrasting with coastal sites influenced by higher commercial activity.

Blázquez-Orta, R., Rodríguez, L., Major González, M., Estaca-Gómez, V., De Gaspar, I., Feranec, R. S., Miguel Carretero, J., Luis Arsuaga, J., & García, N. (2024). Dogs from the past: Exploring morphology in mandibles from Iberian archaeological sites using 3D geometric morphometrics. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 57, 104660. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2024.104660