What are the ancestors of cats? - briefly
The ancestors of modern cats can be traced back to the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which is believed to have been domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Near East. Over time, these domestic cats spread across the globe and diversified into various breeds, becoming one of the most popular pets worldwide.
What are the ancestors of cats? - in detail
Cats, as we know them today, have a fascinating evolutionary history that dates back millions of years. The ancestry of domestic cats can be traced back to several wild species, with the African Wildcat (Felis lybica) being the most direct progenitor.
The African Wildcat is native to Africa and the Middle East, where it has been living for over a million years. This small, agile cat is believed to have first domesticated itself around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, a region known for being the cradle of civilization. The process of domestication likely began when early farmers started storing grains, which attracted rodents and other small prey animals. The African Wildcat, with its keen hunting instincts, was drawn to these abundant food sources and began living in close proximity to human settlements.
Over time, humans selectively bred the African Wildcats for desirable traits such as docility, smaller size, and a wider range of coat colors. This intentional breeding led to the development of the domestic cat we are familiar with today. However, it is important to note that cats were not domesticated in the same way as dogs. Instead, they chose to live alongside humans, benefiting from the food and protection provided by human settlements while offering their own skills in pest control.
In addition to the African Wildcat, other wild species have contributed to the genetic diversity of domestic cats through interbreeding. For example, the European Wildcat (Felis silvestris), which is found across Europe and Central Asia, has interbred with domestic cats, particularly in areas where their ranges overlap. This interbreeding has introduced new genetic material into the domestic cat population, contributing to their overall resilience and adaptability.
Moreover, ancient DNA studies have revealed that some modern breeds of cats carry genetic signatures from other wild species such as the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) and the Asiatic Wildcat (Felis lybica ornata). These interbreeding events, while less common than those with the African Wildcat, have nonetheless played a role in shaping the genetic makeup of domestic cats.
In summary, the ancestors of domestic cats include the African Wildcat as the primary progenitor, along with contributions from other wild species such as the European Wildcat, Jungle Cat, and Asiatic Wildcat. The process of domestication began through a mutualistic relationship between humans and wildcats, leading to the development of the diverse range of domestic cat breeds we see today.