Domestication & Biology

Question 1

In behavioral terms, domestication has had less effect on the cat than any other domestic mammal. What changes in the cat have occurred that can be attributed to behavioral changes?

Answer 1

1. Reduced brain size.
2. Modification of hormone balance.
3. Neoteny- juvenile behavior characteristics in adults.

Question 2

True or False:

Association with man has significantly altered the domestic cat’s wild behavior patterns.

Answer 2

False. Wild behavior patterns have not been altered by much. Cats still have functional prey drive, courtship behavior and mate selection.

Question 3

The domestic cat has this in common with other Felids and only a few other mammals, such as rabbits. What is it?

Answer 3

It is an induced ovulator. The beginning of ovulation is triggered by copulation.

Question 4

The association between man and cat began some 10,000 years ago, but proper domestication probably didn’t begin until_______years ago in Egypt.

Answer 4

4000 years ago.

Question 5

The domestic cat has fewer of these than many other carnivores?

Answer 5

Teeth. They only have 30 teeth.

Question 6

Today’s domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) is derived from what species?

Answer 6

F.s.lybica (African wildcat)

Question 7

True or False:

The domestic cat’s association with man has not drastically altered the cat’s wild behavior patterns?

Answer 7

True.

Question 8

A cat’s unique way of drinking has only recently been define, unlike dogs they use the _____ to bring the water into their mouth.

Answer 8

The underside of their tongue.