Together, these specimens document how ancient communities adapted to their environments and developed increasingly sophisticated production systems.

"These silent 'historical witnesses' are not only crucial pieces in the grand puzzle of animal evolution, but also bearers of the magnificent epic of human's adaptation to nature. Each crack in the bones speaks of an enduring dialogue between civilization and the wild," says Lyu.

Lyu notes that this repository was not built overnight but is the result of decades of work.

In the early 1960s, the first generation of China's animal archaeologists, such as Zhou Benxiong, started to consciously gather specimens of ancient animals on a limited scale. In the 1990s, scholars including Yuan expanded and standardized the practice. In July last year, based on their work, the repository was officially completed and put into operation.

According to Yuan, the repository builds a tangible evidence chain supporting studies on environmental change, animal evolution, civilization development, genetic lineage, resource circulation, and cultural practices.

"It not only serves as a carrier of China's animal husbandry culture, but also injects technological momentum into decoding the genetic foundations of Chinese civilization through interdisciplinary research.

"Also the repository offers technological support for interpreting civilization under the national cultural strategy, and provides valuable historical insights for achieving 'harmony between humans and nature'," says Yuan.