From what animal did domestic cats descend? - briefly
Domestic cats are descended from the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). This species was first domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent.
From what animal did domestic cats descend? - in detail
Domestic cats, as we know them today, are the result of a long process of domestication that began thousands of years ago. The journey of their domestication can be traced back to a specific ancestor: the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). This wildcat species is believed to have been the primary progenitor of modern domestic cats.
The process of domestication likely started around 10,000 years ago during the Neolithic period. As human societies transitioned from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agricultural communities, they began to store grain. This practice inadvertently attracted wildcats, which were drawn to the abundance of rodents that thrived on the stored grain. The proximity of these wildcats to human settlements created an opportunity for mutual benefit. The wildcats helped control the rodent population, which was detrimental to the stored food supplies, while humans provided a relatively safe and food-rich environment for the cats.
Over time, this symbiotic relationship led to a gradual domestication process. The cats that were more tolerant of human presence and less aggressive were more likely to benefit from the food scraps and shelter provided by humans. This natural selection process favored traits that made the cats more suitable for living alongside humans, such as tameness and sociability.
Genetic studies have provided substantial evidence supporting the African wildcat as the primary ancestor of domestic cats. These studies have shown that the genetic makeup of domestic cats is closely aligned with that of the African wildcat, particularly the subspecies Felis silvestris lybica. This subspecies is native to the Middle East and North Africa, regions where some of the earliest evidence of cat domestication has been found.
The domestication of cats was a gradual and complex process that involved both natural selection and human intervention. As cats became more integrated into human societies, they began to exhibit a wide range of physical and behavioral traits that are characteristic of modern domestic cats. These traits include a variety of coat colors and patterns, as well as a range of temperaments that make them suitable as companion animals.
In summary, the domestic cats we know today are the descendants of the African wildcat, specifically the subspecies Felis silvestris lybica. The process of domestication began around 10,000 years ago and was driven by a mutualistic relationship between humans and wildcats. This relationship led to the selection of traits that made cats more suitable for living alongside humans, ultimately resulting in the diverse and beloved pets we have today.