Is the dog one of earliest domesticated animals?

Yes, the dog is one of the earliest domesticated animals. While the exact timing and location of domestication are still debated by scientists, it is generally believed that dogs were domesticated from wolves sometime between 15,000 and 40,000 years ago. This makes them one of the oldest domesticated animals, predating the domestication of many other familiar animals like cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.

Here's why dogs are considered early domesticates:

* Ancient archaeological evidence: Fossil remains and ancient artwork provide evidence of dogs living alongside humans in various locations around the world during this timeframe.

* Genetic evidence: Genetic studies have shown that dogs share a common ancestor with wolves and that their DNA diverged around the same time as the earliest evidence of domestication.

* Behavioral adaptations: Dogs have evolved a number of behavioral adaptations that make them well-suited for living with humans, including their ability to communicate with humans through vocalization and body language, their tolerance for social hierarchy, and their willingness to learn and obey commands.

So, while the precise details of their domestication are still being unraveled, it's clear that dogs have been our companions for a very long time.