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At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Molecular evolution of mitochondrial 12S RNA and cytochrome b sequences in the pantherine lineage of Felidae.

DNA sequence comparisons of two mitochondrial DNA genes were used to infer phylogenetic relationships among 17 Felidae species, notably 15 in the previously described pantherine lineage. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to generate sequences of 358 base pairs of the mitochondrial 12S RNA gene and 289 base pairs of the cytochrome b protein coding gene. DNA sequences were compared within and between 17 felid and five nonfelid carnivore species. Evolutionary trees were constructed using phenetic, cladistic, and maximum likelihood algorithms. The combined results suggested several phylogenetic relationships including (1) the recognition of a recently evolved monophyletic genus Panthera consisting of Panthera leo, P. pardus, P. onca, P. uncia, P. tigris, and Neofelis nebulosa; (2) the recent common ancestry of Acinonyx jubatus, the African cheetah, and Puma concolor, the American puma; and (3) two golden cat species, Profelis temmincki and Profelis aurata, are not sister species, and the latter is strongly associated with Caracal caracal. These data add to the growing database of vertebrate mtDNA sequences and, given the relatively recent divergence among the felids represented here (1-10 Myr), allow 12S and cytochrome b sequence evolution to be addressed over a time scale different from those addressed in most work on vertebrate mtDNA.

Acinonyx↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The recognition by European lynxes (Lynx lynx, Felidae, Carnivora) through urinary odor signals of the species, sex and age of conspecific, familiar and unfamiliar individuals].

The informative importance of urinary odors, which has virtually not been studied in the wild Felidae, was evaluated in European lynxes kept in captivity. The behavior of lynxes during examination of urine samples was described. The frequency and duration of all reactions were recorded: smelling, flehmen, and rubbing on urine. Significant differences in the reactions to the urine samples were most frequent as concerns the duration of smelling. Sexually mature recipient lynxes distinguished the species (lynx or domestic cat) and sex and age (sexually mature of young) of conspecific individuals and recognized individual urine samples. Presentation of the frozen samples did not increase the duration of any reaction. The role of urine in chemocommunication of lynxes is discussed.

Aging↗
PubMed2005

Body size of Smilodon (Mammalia: Felidae).

The body masses of the three large saber-toothed machairodontines, Smilodon gracilis, S. fatalis, and S. populator, were estimated on the basis of 36 osteological variables from the appendicular skeleton of extant felids. A new model is introduced that takes the reliability of the predictor equations into account, since mass estimates are more reliable when computed from multiple variables per bone. At a body mass range of 55-100 kg, S. gracilis was comparable in size to extant jaguars, and S. fatalis was found to be somewhat lighter than previously assumed, with a body mass range of 160-280 kg, similar to that of the largest extant felid, the Siberian tiger. Smilodon populator was substantially heavier and larger than any extant felid, with a body mass range of 220-360 kg. Particularly large specimens of S. populator almost certainly exceeded 400 kg in body mass. The differences from previous estimates are most likely caused by differences in the databases used for mass estimation.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Genomic distribution characteristics and interspecific differences of microsatellite landscapes in Felidae.

BACKGROUND: Microsatellites within genomes play crucial roles in regulating gene expression, DNA replication, and chromosomal structure and function. Analyzing the composition and distribution patterns of microsatellites in closely related species not only reveals their evolutionary dynamics and adaptive mechanisms but also provides essential technical support for applications in genetic breeding, species conservation, and disease research. As one of the world's most captivating animal groups, the landscape patterns of microsatellites across feline genomes remain to be systematically characterized. RESULTS: This study utilized high-quality genomic data to conduct a systematic comparative analysis of microsatellite landscape distribution patterns across the genomes of 13 felid species. The findings revealed that microsatellite abundance and distribution exhibit species-specific characteristics, with a non-random genomic distribution and a negative correlation between microsatellite abundance and repeat length. The predominant distribution pattern followed the sequence: single > double > quadruple > triple > quintuple > sextuple nucleotide repeats. Microsatellite abundance peaked in intergenic regions, whereas trinucleotide repeats were more prevalent within exons. Coding regions showed a marked preference for trinucleotide and hexanucleotide repeats. Enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG pathways indicated that coding sequences containing microsatellites were primarily involved in transcription and translation processes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study elucidates the distribution patterns and characteristics of microsatellites across diverse feline species, providing significant insights into their evolutionary mechanisms and functional roles. Furthermore, these findings establish a valuable reference and foundational dataset for the future development of high-quality, species-specific microsatellite markers in felids.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Claw retraction and protraction in the Carnivora: skeletal microvariation in the phalanges of the Felidae.

All carnivorans retract and protract their claws. In felids and some viverrids the claws of digits II through V of both the manus and pes have a larger arc of rotation than those of other carnivorans; the claws retract to the lateral side of the middle phalanx rather than onto its dorsal surface as in most other carnivorans. This condition should be termed hyper-retraction. Morphological features of the middle and distal (ungual) phalanges that have been purported to be necessary for hyper-retraction in felids vary considerably among digits within the manus and pes. These features include the lateral projection of the distal head and the asymmetry of the shaft of the middle phalanx, and the oblique orientation of the articular surface on the distal phalanx. None of these features is necessary in every instance for hyper-retraction, and some of the variation in these features is associated instead with protraction. Differences among digits in the orientation of the articular surface on the distal phalanx are associated with differences in the degree to which the claws must move laterally to rotate from the protracted to the retracted position. Differences in the orientation of the distal head on the middle phalanx are associated with the spreading of the claws during protraction. The manual claws are hook-shaped, whereas the pedal claws are more blade-like; this morphological difference is associated with differences in function between the manus and pes. In the manus the medial claws have a larger radius of curvature and a smaller angle of arc as compared to the more lateral claws; in the pes, the claws on digits III and IV have larger radii of curvature and smaller angles of arc. Digit I of the manus lacks the hyper-retraction mechanism; nonetheless, this digit shares many of the attributes that are associated with this mechanism.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

The form and function of retractile claws in the Felidae and other representative carnivorans.

Recent behavioral studies have shown the primary organ of prehension used in capturing prey to be the claw equipped forelimbs. In light of its functional importance, the claw retractile mechanism for 15 felid species is described and its function studied . The anatomy of the claw retractile mechanism for felids is then compared to that of other carnivorans. For felids,claw retraction is mechanically possible due to the unique shape of the middle and distal phalanges. Claw retraction, however, is a function of the dorsal elastic ligaments and not of the forearm extensor muscles. The resistance provided by these ligaments allows for flexion of the wrist and digital joints without claw protrusion. Moreover, co-contraction of both forearm flexor and extensor muscles is necessary to produce claw protrusion. The functional anatomy of claw retraction for felids differs considerably from that of most other carnivorans. However, the claw retractile mechanism for some advanced viverrids is structurally similar to that of the felids. For these viverrids prey seizing, as in the felids, has become a function of the forelimbs. For the other families of carnivorans, the jaws and not the forelimbs are used as the primary organ of prehension and the anatomy of the claw retractile mechanism reflects functional demands placed on it other than grasping and holding prey.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Phylogeographic patterns and evolution of the mitochondrial DNA control region in two neotropical cats (Mammalia, felidae).

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and margay (L. wiedii) are sister-species of Neotropical cats which evolved from a lineage that migrated into South America during the formation of the Panamanian land bridge 3-5 million years ago. Patterns of population genetic divergence of each species were studied by phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences in individuals sampled across the distribution of these taxa. Abundant genetic diversity and remarkably concordant phylogeographic partitions for both species were observed, identifying parallel geographic regions which likely reflect historical faunal barriers. Inferred aspects of phylogeography, population genetic structure, and demographic history were used to formulate conservation recommendations for these species. In addition, observed patterns of sequence variation provided insight into the molecular evolution of the mtDNA control region in closely related felids.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Basic haematological values in carnivores--II. The Felidae.

1. Basic haematological values in 34 animals of eight carnivorous species are reported. 2. In four Northern lynxs (Lynx lynx lynx), two male and two female animals, the mean values are given: erythrocyte counts 8.51 X 10(12)/l, haematocrit 0.392/l, haemoglobin content 148.0 g/l and leukocyte count 7.92 X 10(9)/l. 3. In six male pumas (Puma concolor missolensis) the mean values estimated are: erythrocyte count 9.35 X 10(12)/l, haematocrit 0.43/l, haemoglobin content 163.9 g/l and leukocyte count 7.73 X 10(9)/l. Individual values in one female puma are also given. 4. In six jaguars (Panthera onca), three male and three female animals, the mean values are given: erythrocyte count 8.27 X 10(12)/l, haematocrit 0.37/l, haemoglobin content 137.1 g/l and leukocyte count 15.15 X 10(9)/l. 5. Only individual values are reported in one clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), in one leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor), in one Corbett's tiger (Panthera tigris Corbetti) and in one Altaic tiger (Panthera tigris Altaica). 6. In four lions (Panthera leo leo), two male and two female animals, the mean estimated values are: erythrocyte count 10.14 X 10(12)/l, haematocrit 0.462/l, haemoglobin content 159.0 g/l and leukocyte count 11.05 X 10(9)/l. In six female cheetahs (Acinonox jubatus jubatus) the mean values estimated are: erythrocyte count 7.86 X 10(12)/l, haematocrit 0.373/l, haemoglobin content 142.8 g/l and leukocyte count 8.65 X 10(9)/l. For three male cheetahs only individual values are reported. 8. All results achieved are compared with those abstracted from the literature and discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Coadaptation and immunodeficiency virus: lessons from the Felidae.

The emergence of pathogenic viruses in new species offers an unusual opportunity to monitor the coadaptation of viruses and their hosts in a dynamic ongoing process of intense biological selection. Tracking lentivirus epidemics in man, monkeys and cats reveals genomic struggles at three levels: quasispecies divergence within an individual; coadaptation of virus and host genomes subsequent to disease outbreaks; and transmission, spread and pathogenesis in related host species. Aspects of each level are revealed by examining the genetic diversity of feline immunodeficiency virus in domestic and wild cat species. This approach has been facilitated by the recent genetic characterization of a novel lentivirus in lions.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1977

Paragonimus westermani in Malaysian Felidae and Viverridae: probable modes of transmission in relation to host feeding habits.

Examination of naturally infected felids and viverrids in Malaysia confirmed previously published records which indicated that P. westermani occurred only in felid cats. Felis planiceps and F. temnickli were reported as new host records. Analysis of stomach contents revealed no crab remains in either family of cats, but confirmed that felids were strictly carnivorous while viverrids were often omnivorous. In feeding experiments, only viverrids ate the host crabs Potomiscus johorensis and Parathelphusa maculata. The probable transmission of P. westermani to felids via paratenic hosts was discussed.

Animals↗