Dental microwear as a behavioral proxy for distinguishing between canids at the Upper Paleolithic (Gravettian) site of Předmostí, Czech Republic

摘要: Abstract Morphological and genetic evidence put dog domestication during the Paleolithic, sometime between 40,000 15,000 years ago, with identification of earliest dogs debated. We predict that these (referred to herein as protodogs), while potentially difficult distinguish morphologically from wolves, experienced behavioral shifts, including changes in diet. Specifically, protodogs may have consumed more bone other less desirable scraps within human settlement areas. Here we apply Dental Microwear Texture Analysis (DMTA) canids Gravettian site Předmosti (approx. 28,500 BP), which were previously assigned Paleolithic or Pleistocene wolf morphotypes. test whether groups separate out significantly by diet-related variation microwear patterning. Results are consistent differences dietary breadth, morphotype showing greater durophagy than those morphotype. This supports presence two behaviorally distinct canid types at this middle Upper site. Our primary goal here was morphotypes expressed notable behavior. However, context a major settlement, also support early stage domestication. is signal appear generations before morphological established population. It shows promise for distinguishing wolves domesticated elsewhere archaeological record.