Finding the Main Idea

“What is the controlling idea of the following passage, and give one piece of evidence from the passage that supports it? "Throughout history, animals have been unsung heroes in exploration adventures. Take sled dogs, for instance, crucial for Arctic explorations due to their ability to navigate and endure extreme cold, like in Admiral Byrd's Antarctic expeditions. Then there are carrier pigeons, used for centuries to deliver messages across vast distances, playing a key role in communication before modern technology. And don't forget about camels, the 'ships of the desert,' essential for traversing hot sandy landscapes like the Silk Road. These animals didn't just accompany explorers; they were vital partners in some of the most challenging and exciting journeys in history."”