Cranial morphology of Balkan and West Asian livestock guardian dogs.

Several large "shepherd" or livestock guardian dog (LGD) breeds were historically selectively bred to protect sheep and goat flocks in the Balkans, Anatolia, and the Caucasus regions. Although these breeds exhibit similar behavior, their morphology is different. Yet, the fine characterization of the phenotypic differences remains to be analyzed. The aim of this study is to characterize cranial morphology in the specific Balkan and West Asian LGD breeds. We use a 3D geometric morphometric in order to assess morphological differences regarding both shape and size between LGD breeds and compare this phenotypic diversity to close relative wild canids. Our results indicate that Balkan and Anatolian LGDs form a distinct cluster within a relatively large dog cranial size and shape diversity. Most LGDs display a cranial morphology that could be described as intermediate to the mastiff breeds and large herding dogs, except for the Romanian Mioritic shepherd which has a more brachycephalic cranium strongly resembling the bully-type dog cranial morphotype. Although often considered to represent an ancient type of dog, the Balkan-West Asian LGDs are clearly distinguishable from wolves, dingoes, and most other primitive and spitz-type dogs and this group displays a surprising cranial diversity.

Isotopic life-history signatures are retained in modern and ancient Atlantic bluefin tuna vertebrae.

Isotopic, tagging and diet studies of modern-day teleosts lacked the ability to contextualise life-history and trophic dynamics with a historical perspective, when exploitation rates were lower and climatic conditions differed. Isotopic analysis of vertebrae, the most plentiful hard-part in archaeological and museum collections, can potentially fill this data-gap. Chemical signatures of habitat and diet use during growth are retained by vertebrae during bone formation. Nonetheless, to fulfil their potential to reveal life-history and trophic dynamics, we need a better understanding of the time frame recorded by vertebrae, currently lacking due to a poor understanding of fish bone remodelling. To address this issue, the authors serially-sectioned four vertebral centra of the highly migratory Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus; BFT) captured off Sardinia (Italy) and analysed their isotopic composition. They show how carbon (δ13 C), nitrogen (δ15 N) and sulphur (δ34 S) isotope values can vary significantly across BFT vertebrae growth-axes, revealing patterning in dietary life histories. Further, they find that similar patterns are revealed through incremental isotopic analysis of inner and outer vertebrae centra samples from 13 archaeological BFT vertebrae dating between the 9th and13th centuries CE. The results indicate that multi-year foraging signatures are retained in vertebrae and allow for the study of life histories in both modern and paleo-environments. These novel methods can be extended across teleost taxa owing to their potential to inform management and conservation on how teleost trophic dynamics change over time and what their long-term environmental, ecological and anthropological drivers are.

Demography of swordfish (Xiphias gladius Linneus) populations from the coasts of Turkey, based on mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites.

The genetic diversity of the Mediterranean swordfish (Xiphias gladius Linneus) has not been explored extensively at its easternmost range so far. In this study, modern X. gladius samples from the eastern part of the Mediterranean basin, north of the Aegean Sea (Aegean-2013, n = 26) and the Mediterranean coast of Turkey (N.Levantine-2013, n = 42) were studied genetically, along with ancient samples from Yenikapi excavation (n = 6). Partial mitochondrial DNA control region sequences (entire sequences, clade I and clade II) were evaluated spatially and temporally together with previously published sequences (Alvarado Bremer et al., Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2005, 36, 169-187; Viñas et al., ICES Journal of Marine Science, 2010, 67, 1222-1229; Righi et al., Diversity, 2020, 12, 170) from the rest of the Mediterranean Sea. Pair-wise FST and pair-wise AMOVA tests showed that, in general, groups of eastern populations and western Mediterranean populations have not genetically differed from each other significantly nearly in the past 20 years. Therefore, the results direct reconsideration of previous descriptions of population sub-structure within the Mediterranean and support high gene flow throughout the region. On the contrary, the results of this study confirmed the existence of genetic diversity differences between western and eastern Mediterranean, with eastern being low. One-tailed permutation tests revealed that θ, which is directly proportional to long-term female effective population size (Ne), decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in both regions over the past two decades. On the Turkish coasts, θ is not significantly different from that of the nearly contemporary eastern Mediterranean population. Nonetheless, θ of the ancient sample was consistently and significantly (P < 0.001) higher than those of the eastern and western Mediterranean populations in clade I and clade II. Furthermore, it contains two mitochondrial haplotypes that are not observed in modern samples, suggesting that the Ne of X. gladius in the eastern was high in Byzantium times. Eight microsatellite loci were also genotyped in modern samples. The microsatellite-based present Ne estimate of the pooled Aegean-2013 and N.Levantine-2013 populations was lower than 1000 according to the upper limit of 95% c.i. and possibly even lower than 100 according to the mean of posterior distribution of the present Ne estimate calculated by the software package MSVAR. These alarming genetic signals for the sustainability of X. gladius on the coasts of Turkey are in agreement with the nearly collapsing X. gladius fisheries as depicted also in the fisheries statistics. Overall, congruent with the previous studies, the data presented here show that sustainability of the X. gladius population in Mediterranean is under major threat. Therefore, X. gladius around the Turkish coasts need an immediate stringent action and management plan.

Potential Cytoprotective and Anti-Apoptotic Effect of Metamizole Alone and in Combination with Cytostatic Drugs Observed In Vitro in Canine (D-17) and Human (U-2 OS) Osteosarcoma Cell Lines.

Metamizole (dipyrone) is still a frequently used drug in human and veterinary medicine, especially for pain relief, sometimes also in osteosarcoma treatment. It has a very strong analgesic and antipyretic effect and weaker anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, it has spasmolytic properties. It is used in many species, including dogs, cats, pigs, cattle, horses, and humans, in Europe, Canada, and South America. The aim of this study was to assess a potential synergism of metamizole as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with routinely used cytostatics (cisplatin, carboplatin, doxorubicin, and etoposide). In vitro studies were performed on a canine osteosarcoma D-17 cell line and a human U-2 OS cell line. We used the MTT method to assess cell viability, TUNEL staining to assess proapoptotic effects, and propidium iodide to analyse the cell cycle (potential arrest). The obtained results showed that metamizole at 50 µg/mL has potential cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic effects. Metamizole administered simultaneously with cytostatic drugs reduced their cytotoxic effect, which may suggest that such a combination of drugs used in the treatment of osteosarcoma may significantly reduce therapy effectiveness.

Chewing asymmetry in dogs: Exploring the importance of the fossa masseterica and first molar teeth morphology.

Dogs are animals with strong bite force. This strong bite mechanism has led to significant changes in the skeletal system such as fossa masseterica. It can be thought that one side is used more than the other side in chewing and is related to the preference of using the same side's hand, eye and foot. In the study, directional asymmetry and fluctuating asymmetry, which occurs as a result of chewing asymmetry, were examined on the first molar teeth and the fossa masseterica in 85 dog mandibles including a wide diversity of morphotypes. The association of high PC1 values for directional asymmetry with a pronounced cranial index, as evident in breeds like Pekingese, Pomeranian and Bulldog, indicates a potential evolutionary or selective breeding trend favouring brachycephaly. On the contrary, guardian breeds like the German shepherd and Bernese mountain dog, which typically require strong jaws for their roles, showcased reduced PC1 values, which might be related to their functional morphology. Similarly, the PCA results for the first molar teeth shape variations also highlighted the influence of cranial shape, with boxer dogs displaying notably higher PC1 values. The fluctuating asymmetrical distributions provided valuable insights into individualistic variations. Interestingly, no specific breed distribution trend was observed for these asymmetries, indicating a more individual-based variation rather than breed-based. It is essential to note that while these results provide valuable insights, further studies are required to understand the underlying causes better. Factors like genetic variations, developmental processes, dietary habits and external environmental factors could play pivotal roles in these observed morphological differences.

The genomic history and global expansion of domestic donkeys.

Donkeys transformed human history as essential beasts of burden for long-distance movement, especially across semi-arid and upland environments. They remain insufficiently studied despite globally expanding and providing key support to low- to middle-income communities. To elucidate their domestication history, we constructed a comprehensive genome panel of 207 modern and 31 ancient donkeys, as well as 15 wild equids. We found a strong phylogeographic structure in modern donkeys that supports a single domestication in Africa ~5000 BCE, followed by further expansions in this continent and Eurasia and ultimately returning to Africa. We uncover a previously unknown genetic lineage in the Levant ~200 BCE, which contributed increasing ancestry toward Asia. Donkey management involved inbreeding and the production of giant bloodlines at a time when mules were essential to the Roman economy and military.

The Iron Age Dogs from Alaybeyi Höyük, Eastern Anatolia.

To date, little is known about the biological and cultural status of Iron Age dogs in Anatolia. Here, we present a zooarchaeological study of an assemblage of 143 Iron Age dog bones, including two dog skeletons, unearthed from the 2016 and 2017 salvage excavations at Alaybeyi Höyük, Eastern Anatolia. At least eight adults and one juvenile individual, along with a large number of miscellaneous specimens, were identified. The morphological status of the Alaybeyi dogs were primarily compared to previously published Iron Age dogs from Yoncatepe in Eastern Anatolia, and with the average mean of 18 modern dog breeds. Unlike in other Eastern Anatolian Iron Age sites, butcher marks were observed in some specimens, indicating at least occasional cynophagy at the site. Noticeable pathologies were found in about 5% of the sample, particularly pathologies of the oral cavity and dentitions, suggesting that some of the dogs at Alaybeyi Höyük might have been undernourished, had to live on solid food, and probably injured by humans. The results of this study reflect both the morphological and biological status of Alaybeyi dogs, as well as the Alaybeyi people's attitudes toward dogs, adding vital information to the very limited archaeological knowledge of dogs in Anatolia.

A Cat Skeleton from the Balatlar Church Excavation, Sinop, Turkey.

In the 2015 excavation season, an east-west oriented burial (2015-Grave-14) built with large dimension stone blocks was unearthed on the south edge of "Area IVi" at the Balatlar Church in Sinop, on the northeastern Black Sea coast of Turkey. In this grave, which is dated between the end of the 6th century AD and the first half of the 7th century AD, a human skeleton was found with the head to the west and a cat skeleton was carefully placed next to the right femur. This study on the burial and the cat skeleton within it shows that, compared to the Roman period, the status of cats reached a higher level during the Byzantine period. It was found that alongside of being a pet, the Balatlar cat was a young healthy female individual that instinctively hunted rodents and birds, given that the remains of a rat and a sparrow were found in the region of the abdominal cavity, corresponding with the stomach location in the living animal. The grave presents the most significant direct archaeological evidence of a pet-human bond recorded at any Byzantine site so far.

Ancient DNA SNP-panel data suggests stability in bluefin tuna genetic diversity despite centuries of fluctuating catches in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus; BFT) abundance was depleted in the late 20th and early 21st century due to overfishing. Historical catch records further indicate that the abundance of BFT in the Mediterranean has been fluctuating since at least the 16th century. Here we build upon previous work on ancient DNA of BFT in the Mediterranean by comparing contemporary (2009-2012) specimens with archival (1911-1926) and archaeological (2nd century BCE-15th century CE) specimens that represent population states prior to these two major periods of exploitation, respectively. We successfully genotyped and analysed 259 contemporary and 123 historical (91 archival and 32 archaeological) specimens at 92 SNP loci that were selected for their ability to differentiate contemporary populations or their association with core biological functions. We found no evidence of genetic bottlenecks, inbreeding or population restructuring between temporal sample groups that might explain what has driven catch fluctuations since the 16th century. We also detected a putative adaptive response, involving the cytoskeletal protein synemin which may be related to muscle stress. However, these results require further investigation with more extensive genome-wide data to rule out demographic changes due to overfishing, and other natural and anthropogenic factors, in addition to elucidating the adaptive drivers related to these.

Lower palatine developmental instability in hybrid Old World camelids.

OBJECTIVE: In this research study, we explore the fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of palate Camelus hybrids and their parental species (dromedary and Bactrian). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied a sample of pictures from 27 adult skulls of pure Camelus dromedarius (n = 13), Camelus bactrianus (n = 7), and their crosses (n = 7), from two different collections. A set of 11 semilandmarks was located on the palatal region and was studied by means of geometric morphometric methods. The asymmetric variation was analyzed and evaluated for allometric effects, and variation among these three groups was studied using a canonical variates analysis. RESULTS: Among hybrids, there appeared a significantly lower amount of FA in comparison to the parental species, which may reflect the lower levels of genetic stress and higher levels of directional asymmetry, which may suggest the presence of strongly transgressive mastication compared to pure species. CONCLUSION: Camel hybrids would present increased developmental stability and better adaptation over those of parenteral lines.

Origins and genetic legacy of prehistoric dogs.

Dogs were the first domestic animal, but little is known about their population history and to what extent it was linked to humans. We sequenced 27 ancient dog genomes and found that all dogs share a common ancestry distinct from present-day wolves, with limited gene flow from wolves since domestication but substantial dog-to-wolf gene flow. By 11,000 years ago, at least five major ancestry lineages had diversified, demonstrating a deep genetic history of dogs during the Paleolithic. Coanalysis with human genomes reveals aspects of dog population history that mirror humans, including Levant-related ancestry in Africa and early agricultural Europe. Other aspects differ, including the impacts of steppe pastoralist expansions in West and East Eurasia and a near-complete turnover of Neolithic European dog ancestry.

Proximal and distal alignment of normal canine femurs: A morphometric analysis.

Many researchers are interested in femoral conformation because most orthopaedic problems of the long bones occur in the femur and its joints. The neck-shaft (NSA) and the anteversion (AVA) angles are good predictors for understanding the orientation of the proximal end of the femur. The varus (aLDFA) and procurvatum (CDFA) angles have also been used to understand the orientation of the distal end of the femur. The purposes of this study were to investigate the relationship between the proximal and distal angles of the femur and to compare the distal femoral angles in male and female dogs in order to investigate the sexual dimorphism. The measurements of normal CDFAs, which have not been previously reported, may also provide a database of canine distal femoral morphology. A total of 75 cleaned healthy femora from different breeds or mixed breed of dogs were used. The three-dimensional images were reconstructed from computed tomographic images. The AVA, NSA, aLDFA and CDFA were measured on the 3D images. The correlation coefficients were calculated among the measured angles. The distal femoral angles were also compared between male and female femora. The 95% confidence intervals of the AVA and the NSA were calculated to be 24.22°-29.50° and 144.97°-147.50°, respectively. The 95% confidence intervals of the aLDFA and the CDFA for all studied dogs were 92.62°-94.08° and 89.09°-91.94°, respectively. The NSA showed no correlation with either the aLDFA or CDFA. There was a weak inverse correlation between the AVA and CDFA and a weak positive correlation between the AVA and aLDFA. The differences in the aLDFA and CDFA measurements between male and female dog were not significant. In conclusion, femoral version, regardless of the plane, might have little influence on distal femoral morphology in normal dogs. Besides this, there is no evidence of a sexual dimorphism in the varus and procurvatum angles of the dog distal femur. The data from this study may be used in both orthopaedic studies and for clinical applications related to the distal femur of dogs.

Ancient genomes revisit the ancestry of domestic and Przewalski's horses.

The Eneolithic Botai culture of the Central Asian steppes provides the earliest archaeological evidence for horse husbandry, ~5500 years ago, but the exact nature of early horse domestication remains controversial. We generated 42 ancient-horse genomes, including 20 from Botai. Compared to 46 published ancient- and modern-horse genomes, our data indicate that Przewalski's horses are the feral descendants of horses herded at Botai and not truly wild horses. All domestic horses dated from ~4000 years ago to present only show ~2.7% of Botai-related ancestry. This indicates that a massive genomic turnover underpins the expansion of the horse stock that gave rise to modern domesticates, which coincides with large-scale human population expansions during the Early Bronze Age.

Proximal interphalangeal joint ankylosis in an early medieval horse from Wroclaw Cathedral Island, Poland.

Animal remains that are unearthed during archaeological excavations often provide useful information about socio-cultural context, including human habits, beliefs, and ancestral relationships. In this report, we present pathologically altered equine first and second phalanges from an 11th century specimen that was excavated at Wroclaw Cathedral Island, Poland. The results of gross examination, radiography, and computed tomography, indicate osteoarthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint, with partial ankylosis. Based on comparison with living modern horses undergoing lameness examination, as well as with recent literature, we conclude that the horse likely was lame for at least several months prior to death. The ability of this horse to work probably was reduced, but the degree of compromise during life cannot be stated precisely. Present day medical knowledge indicates that there was little likelihood of successful treatment for this condition during the middle ages. However, modern horses with similar pathology can function reasonably well with appropriate treatment and management, particularly following joint ankylosis. Thus, we approach the cultural question of why such an individual would have been maintained with limitations, for a probably-significant period of time.

Los tipos craneométricos caninos aparecen bien expresados a nivel de conformación del arco cigomático / Craneometric canine types are well expressed at the level of the zygomatic arch conformation

Dentro del espectro de conformación del cráneo, se reconocen generalmente tres amplias categorías que se corresponden con el concepto de biotipo cefálico, determinado por el Índice Cefálico. El Estos tres biotipos cefálicos son: el braquiocefálico, mesaticefálico y dolicocefálico, pero están basados en medidas lineales. A fin de revisar esta clasificación en base a su geometría, se estudiaron 53 cráneos de perros adultos, correspondientes a los tres grupos craneométricos descritos: 16 braquicéfalos, 20 mesaticéfalos y 17 dolicocéfalos. Para ello se obtuvieron fotografías en el plano ventral, en las que posteriormente se ubicaron 17 hitos anatómicos que se analizaron mediante técnicas de morfometría geométrica. De estos hitos, 5 correspondían a la zona neurocraneal y el resto al esplacnocráneo. Los tres grupos craneométricos mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ellos tanto por el tamaño como por la forma. Las variables que contribuyeron más a explicar la diferenciación fueron las ubicadas en el margen más lateral de los arcos cigomáticos y en la base de este mismo arco. Las variables esplacnocraneales presentaban una alometría mucho más marcada que las neurocráneos. Puesto que el arco cigomático debe ser considerado como parte del esplacnocráneo, sugerimos que es tan importante el índice cefálico (que tiene en cuenta la máxima anchura de la cabeza) como el facial (que tiene en cuenta la máxima anchura de la cara). La conformación neurocraneal sería mucho más conservativa y por ende el índice craneal, de mucho menor poder discriminatorio entre grupos. El cambio entre tipos se debería a los músculos masetero y temporal, que tienen su inserción en el arco.

Within the wide conformation of skull spectrum, there are generally three recognized broad categories that correspond to the concept of cephalic biotype, determined by the cephalic index. The three cephalic biotypes are: brachiocephalic, mesaticephalic and dolichocephalic, which are based on linear measures. In order to revise this classification based on its geometry, we studied 53 skulls of adult dogs, corresponding to the three craneometric groups previously described: 16 brachycephalic, 20 mesaticephalic and 17 dolichocephalic. Images on ventral plane were obtained and 17 anatomical landmarks were subsequently located and analyzed by means of geometric morphometric techniques. Five of those landmarks corresponded to the neurocraneal area and the rest of the splanchnocranium. The three craneometric groups showed statistically significant differences between them for both size and shape. The variables that contributed to the differentiation between them were located along the edge of the zygomatic arches and on the basis of this arch. Splanchnocranial variables also presented a much more marked allometry than the neurocraneal variables. Since the zygomatic arch should be considered as part of the splanchnocranium, we suggest that the cephalic index (which takes into account the maximum width of the head) is as important as the facial index (which takes into account the maximum width of the face). The neurocraneal index would be much more conservative, and therefore less discriminatory between the groups.

Vertebral disease in excavated canine in Lower Silesia, Poland.

A mostly complete canine skeleton was excavated during rescue archaeological explorations in Domaslaw (Lower Silesia, Poland). The archaeozoological analysis revealed loss of several left maxillary incisors. Discospondylitis was observed in two adjacent lumbar vertebrae. Potential causes of the vertebral pathology are discussed. The cause of death is unknown, but sepsis should be considered. No other pathological changes or evidence of human manipulation to the skeleton were identified.

On the variability of skull shape in German shepherd (Alsatian) puppies.

In this study the skulls of 32 German shepherd puppies (40-107 days old) were examined. They were divided into three age groups (40-49, 50-69, and 70-107 days) and the variability of their shapes was determined. Some geometrical shapes were drawn by joining the measuring points. Angle measurements were made on these shapes, which comprised the whole skull, neurocranium, and viscerocranium. The skull index was further calculated in order to assess the correlation, if any, of this index with the angle measurements. It was found that the length of the skull increased more than the width, and, accordingly, the skull became narrower and longer with age. Furthermore, the AZP and AZN angles widened with age, while the ZAZ, ZPZ, NcANc, NcPNc, NcBrNc, SwNSw, and SwPSw angles decreased. The decrease in the skull index, which was not proportionate to the age, showed that the zygomatic width did not increase as much compared to the length of the skull.

The effect of atorvastatin on hemorheological parameters in rabbits fed on a normal diet.

The effects of statins have been investigated mostly in hyperlipidemic states so far. We analysed blood cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, fibrinogen and gammaglobulin levels, haematocrite, hemoglobin, erythrocyte, leukocyte and platelet counts, blood and plasma viscosity and erythrocyte rigidity in 12 rabbits fed on a normal diet (chow) which were given 1 mg/kg/day atorvastatin for 4 weeks. Compared to the baseline levels, erythrocyte rigidity (k=0.12+/-0.05 vs. k=0.7+/-0.02) and gammaglobulin levels (1.03+/-0.23 g/dl vs. 0.78+/-0.27 g/dl) decreased significantly (p=0.008 and p=0.025, respectively). Blood lipids, hematological variables, blood and plasma viscosity did not change statistically. Our findings imply that in a normolipemic state, statins given in low doses may improve erythrocyte rigidity without altering blood lipids in short term. Decreased plasma gammaglobulin levels may be reflecting their immunomodulatory effects.

The reconstruction of nasal septal perforation with high density porous polyethylene covered with fascia lata: an experimental study on rabbit model.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of a new material, high-density porous polyethylene (HDPP), which is covered with fascia lata, for experimental nasal septal perforation closure. METHODS: Twenty New Zealand albino rabbits were included and divided into study and control groups. A lateral incision was made from the lateral aspect of the left nares to the incisura nasomaxillaris. After exposure of the cavum nasi, the nasal mucoperichondrium was elevated bilaterally. A full-thickness 0.5×0.5-cm perforation was created over the septum nasi with a No. 11 surgical blade. A fascia lata graft was used for the study group. The HDPP was covered with fascia lata and placed under the elevated mucosa. HDPP without a fascial covering was used in the control group. Four months after the procedure, magnetic resonance imaging was performed to evaluate resorption of the material. The animals were sacrificed, and the nasal septum was completely removed. Macroscopic and histopathological examinations were performed on the nasal septum. RESULTS: All rabbits had survived after the 4-month period. Macroscopically, nine of 10 (90%) perforations were closed in the fascia lata-covered HDPP group. Histopathological examination of these nine rabbits revealed that the continuity of cartilage was disturbed in the perforation areas. Granulation tissue was inverted in areas in which the cartilage continuity was disturbed. The HDPP had remained intact at the edge of the perforation. In the HDPP group, six of 10 implants were still perforated (60%) and four (40%) were closed. The fascia lata-covered HDPP implant had a significantly higher perforation closure rate than that of the HDPP implant alone (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In cases of septal perforation, it is better to cover the HDPP implant with fascia lata. This covered implant can be used for the repair of nasal septal perforations. HDPP implants are easy to work with and avoid the increased operative time and morbidity associated with harvesting autografts.

Morphometric Examination of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) from the Van-Yoncatepe Necropolis in Eastern Anatolia / Examen Morfométrico del Zorro Rojo (Vulpes vulpes) de la Necrópolis de Van-Yoncatep en Anatolia del Este

In the burial chamber M4 of the Van-Yoncatepe necropolis in eastern Anatolia, dated to the beginning of the first millennium before our time, fox skeletal remains have been discovered together with human skeletal remains. The fox remains consist of two skulls and a large number of skeletal (postcranial) bones. Examination of the material led us to the conclusion that five foxes had been buried in the chamber. Craniometric and osteometric measurements were carried out on the bones, and estimations of shoulder height and body weight have been calculated. Evaluation of all quantitative and qualitative data and comparison with modern fox species led to identification of the remains as red fox (Vulpes vulpes).

En la cripta mortuoria M4 del cementerioVan-Yoncatepe en Anatolia del Este, se encontraron restos de zorro y humanos que datan de mil años aC. Los restos de zorro corresponden a 2 cráneos y variados huesos postcraniales. Los estudios de dicho material nos lleva a concluir que, hubo 5 zorros enterrados en la cripta. Conjuntamente, se realizaron exámenes craniométricos y mediciones osteométricas, estimaciones de altura de hombro y cálculo de peso corporal. Las evaluaciones cuantitativa y cualitativa de la información obtenida y las comparaciones realizadas con especies de zorros modernos, permiten concluir que dichos hallazgos corresponden a zorro rojo (Vulpes vulpes).