High level of fluctuating asymmetry in Byzantine dogs from the Theodosius Harbor, Istanbul, Turkey

Asymmetry, the abnormality of an organism or a part it from its perfect symmetry, is represented by three different categories: fluctuating asymmetry, directional and antisymmetry. Fluctuating asymmetry attributes to random developmental variation morphological character, whereas one body sides be more prominent than other. Antisymmetry appears whenever side biological shows greater appearance Since environmental stress often produces effect can good indicator physiological in characteristic being. Applying, so far, first geometric morphometric methods on any Byzantine fauna, this study aimed determine kind direction skull occurred dog skulls. Aiming this, asymmetries 16 adult skulls unearthed form Yenikapı-Marmaray excavation (ancient Theodosius Harbor) İstanbul, were compared with 39 modern pet breeds. Seventeen landmarks (3 midline 14 bilateral) selected digital pictures ventral aspect each skull, used for detailed analysis. The results showed percentage skulls, suggesting them not remains pets housed dogs but perhaps labor stray capital Constantinople.