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A surprising evolutionary journey: What do ancient Vulpes fossils reveal about foxes?
In the distant strata, there are countless stories of the evolution of life hidden. Recently, scientists have discovered Vulpes fossils in Africa, North America and Europe, which are quietly revealing the ancient history and evolution of the fox family. This article takes an in-depth look at these surprising findings and their implications for living fox species.
History of Vulpes
Vulpes belong to the subfamily Caninae of the family Canidae, which includes the special classification of true foxes. The term "true fox" covers all species of Vulpes, creatures whose characteristics are particularly distinct when compared to other canids, such as domestic dogs, wolves and coyotes. Compared with other canids, foxes are usually smaller, weighing about 5 to 11 kilograms, with a long, fluffy tail and a flat skull.
Currently, there are 12 known living species of Vulpes, and archaeologists have discovered four fossil species, showing that foxes date back tens of millions of years. The oldest fossil among them, V. riffautae, dates back to the Miocene Epoch, about seven million years ago.
The discovery and significance of fossils
"These ancient fossils not only show the evolutionary trajectory of foxes, but also reveal how they adapted to different environments and climates."
Based on research on V. riffautae, scientists speculate that these early foxes may have laid the foundation for their survival in the climate at that time. Later discoveries of species such as V. skinneri and V. praeglacialis further enriched our understanding of fox evolutionary patterns, especially in terms of environmental changes that facilitate survival.
In archaeological sites in Taiwan, scientists have found some fossils that may be similar to contemporary foxes. These findings play a very important role in understanding the distribution and adaptability of foxes in East Asia.
Biological characteristics of foxes
The appearance characteristics of true foxes make them unique among canids. They have distinct triangular black markings that form near their ears, allowing them to assist hunting in lush environments. In general, while their lifespan is usually only two to four years in the wild, some foxes can live up to ten years.
The adaptability of foxes is truly remarkable, especially the diversity of environments in which they live. From deserts to the polar regions, foxes are found almost everywhere. In both urban and rural areas, foxes are able to successfully exploit human food supplies, demonstrating their cunning and intelligence.
The relationship between foxes and humans
"Foxes are an important part of human culture, and their images often appear in literature and folklore."
Foxes play an important role in many cultures. Fox hunting has always been a time-honored activity in places like the UK. Hunting foxes has given humans a deeper understanding of the ecology and behavior of these animals.
In addition to hunting issues, when it comes to the history of fox domestication, Russian research has added to the connection between foxes and humans. Through selective breeding, scientists have successfully produced dog-like traits in wild red foxes, such as friendliness and attachment behavior.
Inspiration for the future
The discovery of these fossils provides a glimpse into the evolution of foxes and reminds us of the impact of current environmental changes on biodiversity. With habitat destruction and climate change, we can't help but wonder whether these flexible little creatures can still survive the challenges of the future?
