Samuel Belknap, Master of Science in Quaternary and Climate Studies Discovers Eviidence of the Oldest Domesticated Dog in the Americas

Posted, January 11, 2011

Master of Science in Quaternary and Climate Studies student, Samuel Belknap has discovered evidence of the oldest known domesticated dog in the Americas.  “This is an important scientific discovery that can tell us not only a lot about the genetic history of dogs but of the interactions between humans and dogs in the past,” said Belknap. “Not only were they most likely companions as they are today, they served as protection, hunting assistants, and also as a food source.”  The bone fragment was discovered while Belknap was analyzing a dried out sample of human excrement that was unearthed in Texas.  Carbon dating testing indicates that the bone is 9,400 years old.

Belknap, whose major advisor is Dr. Kristin Sobolik, has plans to graduate in May 2011.