domestic cats are thought to have descended from an ancient type of wildcat in Egypt 4000 years ago. Possibly Felis silvestris libyca. There is earlier evidence of domestic cats in Cyprus dating back 8000 years however.
All cats belong to the family Felidae
wildcats belong in the sub-family Felinae
lions and tigers belong in the sub-family Pantherinae
This means domestic cats are more closely related to the Lynx, Puma or the many species of small cats than lions and tigers.
In simple terms a wolf is more closely related to a dog than a cat is to a lion or tiger.
How closely related are domestic "house" cats and "big cats" (tigers, lions, etc)?
depends on the species. You can tell they are still relatively closely related if they can breed easily in natural or artificial settings. House cats and bobcats, lynxs or some jungle cats can still breed. I know of an ocelot/domestic cross, and ocelots are pretty big cats.
I know someone who swears they have a house cat/mountain lion cross, and by the size, manners, and look of the thing (the mother was a huge cat as well) I can't say for sure that she is wrong. The beast is medium dog sized, same tawny coat, and green eyes, but more of a domestic cat build.
Obviously tigers and lions can not breed with house cats, but they should still be pretty closely related- same features and instincts yet.
Reply:House cats are the least domesticated of all domestic species. In other words, they are more like their wild counterparts than any other domestic animal.
Reply:there related, come from cat family.
Reply:Different genera, at least (Felis and Panthera). Possibly different subfamily but the same family, Felidae.
Reply:Insomnia is basically correct. But recent genetic work seems to indicate that the domestic cat had its origin in China. There are 5 subspecies of Felis silvestris any of which could have been domesticated. Domestic cat breeds where spread early on by people.
dental associates
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment