D17: . Cat domestication, micro-evolutionary consequences, relatives, and interspecies hybrids

Question 1

CAT:
order
family
subfamily
species

Answer 1

order: carnivora
family: felidae
subfamily: felinae (small cats)
species: ocelota, wild cats, domestic cat.

Question 2

what are the ancestors of cats?

Answer 2

• Nubian wild cat and other European and Asian wild cats

Question 3

is interspecies hybridisation possible?

Answer 3

yes in small cats it is.
identical chromosome number: 2n=38, (19 pairs)
fertile offspring

Question 4

are feral cats possible?

Answer 4

yes, very common.

Question 5

when and by whom did domestication of cats occur?

Answer 5

Domesticated in Ancient Egypt 3-5000 BC
* Considered as sacred animals & worshipped
* By middle ages, cats were considered as a symbol of the devil, but regained appeal after bubonic
plague (killing rats)

Question 6

when did most breed development occur?

Answer 6

Most breed development occurred during the 19th-20th century.
due to the Beginning of cat shows, exhibitions, breeding organizations etc.

Question 7

Describe the biodiversity of cats.
big / small?
variaiton?
what shows variation?

Answer 7

Biodiversity of cats due to domestication is small:
◦ Only real variation in hair quality/ length & color.
◦ Conformation & appearance is relatively similar between all breeds.
‣ Largest cat: Maine Coon
‣ Head shape, eyes, ears & tail (e.g. Manx, bob-tails) show some variation.

Question 8

what are common behavioural traits of cats?

Answer 8

Common behavioural traits → territorial, scent marking, napping/ sleeping, hunting, etc