FM1 Pt1-1 What makes a cat a cat

Question 1

What family does the domestic cat (Felis catus) belong to?

Answer 1

The Felidae family.

Question 2

What are the three genera within the Felidae family?

Answer 2

Panthera, Acinonyx, and Felis.

Question 3

Why is it difficult to classify species within the Felidae family?

Answer 3

Because of the difficulty in distinguishing species by their phenotype and morphology.

Question 4

What have recent genetic investigations suggested about the Felidae family?

Answer 4

They have suggested eight distinct lineages within the Felidae family, which may be used for future reclassification.

Question 5

From where did the Felidae family likely evolve?

Answer 5

They likely evolved from a common ancestor in Asia around 10-12 million years ago.

Question 6

How many years ago did the Felidae family start to diversify?

Answer 6

Around 10 to 11 million years ago.

Question 7

How do sea levels influence the migration and development of Felidae species?

Answer 7

Low sea levels facilitated migration, while high sea levels isolated species development.

Question 8

What unique feature distinguishes lions from other wild cats?

Answer 8

Lions live in groups, whereas other wild cats are solitary.

Question 9

Why do cats have retractable claws?

Answer 9

Retractable claws help cats hunt silently by reducing noise when walking.

Question 10

How do cats’ coat colors relate to their hunting lifestyle?

Answer 10

Cats have developed a wide range of coat colors as adaptations for camouflage.

Question 11

What is the main ancestor of the modern-day Felis catus?

Answer 11

Felis sylvestris lybica (the North African/Arabian wildcat).

Question 12

When and where did feline domestication likely occur?

Answer 12

Feline domestication likely occurred around 10,000 years ago in the Middle East, particularly in the Fertile Crescent.

Question 13

What evidence suggests early human interaction with wild cats?

Answer 13

Fossils from early human settlements show evidence of co-existence with wild cats.

Question 14

How did grain storage influence the domestication of cats?

Answer 14

The accumulation of grain stores led to a rise in rodent populations, attracting wild cats closer to human settlements.

Question 15

How do modern domestic cats (Felis catus) compare genetically to wild cats?

Answer 15

The DNA of modern domestic cats is almost identical to that of Felis sylvestris lybica.

Question 16

What defines a species in general terms?

Answer 16

Different species generally cannot inter-breed and do not do so under natural conditions.

Question 17

Why are domestic cats not considered truly domesticated like other animals?

Answer 17

Domestic cats have not undergone major changes during domestication and retain the ability to survive in the wild.

Question 18

What is a key reason domestic cats have not been fully domesticated?

Answer 18

Cats’ independence and ability to survive without human intervention has limited their domestication.

Question 19

What are the two main theories surrounding the domestication of cats?

Answer 19

One theory suggests deliberate taming and selection for friendliness, while the other suggests natural adaptation and self-selection near human settlements.

Question 20

How do cats differ from dogs in terms of domestication?

Answer 20

Cats are not derived from pack animals and do not view humans as leaders, unlike dogs.

Question 21

What characteristics do cats retain from their desert-dwelling ancestors?

Answer 21

Cats evolved to survive with low water intake and tolerate high temperatures, traits from their desert ancestors.

Question 22

What are cats’ natural rhythms based on?

Answer 22

Their rhythms are based on the activity patterns of their prey, usually at dawn and dusk.

Question 23

What does being an obligate carnivore mean for cats?

Answer 23

Cats cannot survive without nutrients found in meat, such as taurine.

Question 24

How does a cat’s territorial nature manifest?

Answer 24

Cats defend their territory, often marking it with scent and being wary of other cats encroaching.

Question 25

What allows cats to explore their three-dimensional environment?

Answer 25

Cats’ unique balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength.

Question 26

Why are cats highly sensitive to scent?

Answer 26

Cats use scent to communicate with each other and define their territory.

Question 27

How do cats typically respond to threats?

Answer 27

They prefer to run away and hide rather than confront the threat directly.

Question 28

What does it mean that cats are self-reliant?

Answer 28

Cats can hunt for themselves, find their own shelter, and generally do not need the company of other cats or humans.

Question 29

How do cats compare to dogs in their need for companionship?

Answer 29

Cats have no biological requirement for companionship and are content to live alone as adults.

Question 30

Why is pain and illness difficult to detect in cats?

Answer 30

Cats hide signs of illness or pain to avoid attracting attention, a survival instinct.

Question 31

How does cats’ adaptability affect their behavior in a domestic setting?

Answer 31

Cats can adjust to different lifestyles but may exhibit stress behaviors like spraying or aggression if pushed too far.