FM1 Pt1-1 What makes a cat a cat Flashcards
What family does the domestic cat (Felis catus) belong to?
The Felidae family.
What are the three genera within the Felidae family?
Panthera, Acinonyx, and Felis.
Why is it difficult to classify species within the Felidae family?
Because of the difficulty in distinguishing species by their phenotype and morphology.
What have recent genetic investigations suggested about the Felidae family?
They have suggested eight distinct lineages within the Felidae family, which may be used for future reclassification.
From where did the Felidae family likely evolve?
They likely evolved from a common ancestor in Asia around 10-12 million years ago.
How many years ago did the Felidae family start to diversify?
Around 10 to 11 million years ago.
How do sea levels influence the migration and development of Felidae species?
Low sea levels facilitated migration, while high sea levels isolated species development.
What unique feature distinguishes lions from other wild cats?
Lions live in groups, whereas other wild cats are solitary.
Why do cats have retractable claws?
Retractable claws help cats hunt silently by reducing noise when walking.
How do cats’ coat colors relate to their hunting lifestyle?
Cats have developed a wide range of coat colors as adaptations for camouflage.
What is the main ancestor of the modern-day Felis catus?
Felis sylvestris lybica (the North African/Arabian wildcat).
When and where did feline domestication likely occur?
Feline domestication likely occurred around 10,000 years ago in the Middle East, particularly in the Fertile Crescent.
What evidence suggests early human interaction with wild cats?
Fossils from early human settlements show evidence of co-existence with wild cats.
How did grain storage influence the domestication of cats?
The accumulation of grain stores led to a rise in rodent populations, attracting wild cats closer to human settlements.
How do modern domestic cats (Felis catus) compare genetically to wild cats?
The DNA of modern domestic cats is almost identical to that of Felis sylvestris lybica.
What defines a species in general terms?
Different species generally cannot inter-breed and do not do so under natural conditions.
Why are domestic cats not considered truly domesticated like other animals?
Domestic cats have not undergone major changes during domestication and retain the ability to survive in the wild.
What is a key reason domestic cats have not been fully domesticated?
Cats’ independence and ability to survive without human intervention has limited their domestication.
What are the two main theories surrounding the domestication of cats?
One theory suggests deliberate taming and selection for friendliness, while the other suggests natural adaptation and self-selection near human settlements.
How do cats differ from dogs in terms of domestication?
Cats are not derived from pack animals and do not view humans as leaders, unlike dogs.
What characteristics do cats retain from their desert-dwelling ancestors?
Cats evolved to survive with low water intake and tolerate high temperatures, traits from their desert ancestors.
What are cats’ natural rhythms based on?
Their rhythms are based on the activity patterns of their prey, usually at dawn and dusk.
What does being an obligate carnivore mean for cats?
Cats cannot survive without nutrients found in meat, such as taurine.
How does a cat’s territorial nature manifest?
Cats defend their territory, often marking it with scent and being wary of other cats encroaching.
What allows cats to explore their three-dimensional environment?
Cats’ unique balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength.
Why are cats highly sensitive to scent?
Cats use scent to communicate with each other and define their territory.
How do cats typically respond to threats?
They prefer to run away and hide rather than confront the threat directly.
What does it mean that cats are self-reliant?
Cats can hunt for themselves, find their own shelter, and generally do not need the company of other cats or humans.
How do cats compare to dogs in their need for companionship?
Cats have no biological requirement for companionship and are content to live alone as adults.
Why is pain and illness difficult to detect in cats?
Cats hide signs of illness or pain to avoid attracting attention, a survival instinct.
How does cats’ adaptability affect their behavior in a domestic setting?
Cats can adjust to different lifestyles but may exhibit stress behaviors like spraying or aggression if pushed too far.
