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January 7, 2006

Notes from Ferdy - Notes on Cat Evolution

by Ferdinand T Cat

Gary Cruse of The Owner's Manual sent us a link to a New York Times article describing how DNA has been used to track the evolution of the different members of the cat family. It's pretty good stuff, even if it does come from a suspect source.

Originally, it was thought that the cat family could be divided into big cats and small cats, each having a different evolutionary lineage. More recently, cats were divided into four sub-families-- big cats, small cats, cheetahs, and sabre-tooth tigers. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA broadened this to eight classifications-- bay cats, panthers, ocelots, caracals, pumas (which includes the cheetah), lynxes, asian leopard cats, and superior cats. Study of full cat DNA sequences along with fossil records has enabled scientists to associate the different lineages with dates and intercontinental migrations. One of the biggest migrations took place 6.5 million years ago, when sea levels were low. The superior cat branch (which includes domestic cats as well as six species of wild cats) split off 6.2 million years ago in Asia. Approximately 10,000 years ago the modern house cat began domesticating humans, and approximately 5000 years ago we conquered Egypt. More recently-- about 400 years ago-- a group of cats sailed westward with their pets to escape persecution in Europe, and these brave pioneers became the ancestors of what is now known as the American Shorthair Cat. The American Shorthair is recognized as one of the most skilled pet owners in the cat family, and its toughness also makes it one of the most long-lived.

I do try to be open-minded, and I know a lot of you out there are skeptical about the Theory of Evolution. Nonetheless, the idea of evolution is helping people to understand more about cats.

Obviously, then, it can't be all bad.

Respectfully submitted,

Ferdinand T. Cat


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Comments

I'm one those that doesn't believe in evolution. I do however believe in adaptation, which is what is being described here. They started off as cats and remain cats. Now show me something that started off as one kind of animal, then through a series of mutations, became another kind of animal, I might change my mind. Evolution is supposed to take a very long time to work so the fossil record should be brimming with transitional species, I just can't seem to remember anyone finding any...


Posted by: ~Gregg at January 8, 2006 2:55 PM

Most current studies infer evolution from DNA composition. The resulting trees contain unknown transitional species, but little effort has been put into matching them with the fossil record, because the ability to capture fossil DNA is pretty new.

For a long time neanderthals were a considered transitional species between homo erectus and homo sapiens, though fossil DNA studies now indicate that wasn't the case.


Posted by: Ferdy [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 8, 2006 4:49 PM

Ferdy-- As a superior being, you doubtless agree with my cats that the existence of humans (except for veterinarians and other service providers) casts doubt on the theory of intelligent design.


Posted by: Connecticut Yankee [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 8, 2006 9:11 PM

Yes, there is some evidence for the Drunken Lunatic Design theory there.

My problem is that I can't see the brain happening by accident, but I also can't see DNA happening on purpose.


Posted by: Ferdy [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 8, 2006 9:41 PM

I tend to agree with you, Ferdy, as studies uncover that many ancient life forms had formed a cross species in order that acclimation might be possible. I'm thinking that from that, it was on to survival of the fittest (aiding in this evolution.)

BUT: Just the fact that cats (the superior shamanic life form) sleep in a circle, tells me that the circle of Evolution lends itself proof that God gives us the strongest, miracle of survival. And anytime you couldn’t make it, and you were't strong, you didn’t survive. Silly humans may search to disprove one over another, but the answer is in the circle. God, adaptation and evolution are as one. (Hope that helps ;)


Posted by: MB at January 8, 2006 9:52 PM

we just moved into my roommates home.my roommate has a cat and a dog. my Himalayan cat won`t stop hissing and growling at my roommates pets. how can i get her to be happy again,like before we moved. i can`t get her to even sit on my lap anymore.


Posted by: kara at January 30, 2006 5:12 PM

Hey gregg, most of the living things, which include plants, animals, insect, bacterias, and even the highly intelligent animal called homo sapiens, started as "other kind of animals".

There's so many facts and evidents to prove evolution if you bother to open up, read up and stop believing in the storybook called bible.


Posted by: evolution at August 18, 2006 3:05 AM

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