Who are the ancestors of cats? - briefly
The ancestors of cats are believed to be small wild felines that originated in Africa and Asia around 6-7 million years ago. These early cats were likely solitary hunters, similar to modern-day species such as the African Wildcat (Felis lybica), which is considered the closest living relative of domestic cats.
Who are the ancestors of cats? - in detail
The evolutionary history of cats is rich and complex, with their ancestry tracing back millions of years. The modern domestic cat (Felis catus) shares its lineage with various wild cat species, all belonging to the family Felidae. This family comprises several genera, including Panthera (tigers, lions, jaguars, and leopards), Acinonyx (cheetahs), Lynx (lynxes), Puma (cougars), and Felis itself, which includes the domestic cat's closest wild relatives such as the African wildcat (Felis lybica) and the jungle cat (Felis chaus).
The earliest known felid-like creatures date back to around 25 million years ago during the Oligocene epoch. These ancient cats were small, weasel-sized animals with long tails, similar to modern civets. One of the most notable early felids is Proailurus, which lived about 20 million years ago in Europe and Asia. This species exhibited some cat-like features but was not yet a true cat.
True cats emerged during the Miocene epoch, around 15 million years ago. The genus Felis appeared at this time, with species like Felis lunensis and Felis silvestris being among the earliest members of this group. These early felids were small to medium-sized cats that inhabited diverse environments, including forests, grasslands, and even semi-aquatic habitats.
The African wildcat (Felis lybica) is considered one of the primary ancestors of the domestic cat. This species has been present in Africa for at least 130,000 years and was likely tamed by humans around 10,000 years ago. The process of domestication occurred gradually as wildcats were attracted to human settlements by abundant food sources, particularly rodents that fed on grain stores. Over time, these cats adapted to life alongside humans, evolving into the domestic cat we know today.
Genetic studies have further elucidated the ancestry of domestic cats. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA indicates that five distinct matrilines (lineages traced through the female line) contributed to the genetic makeup of modern domestic cats. These lineages are associated with various wild cat species, including the African wildcat, the jungle cat, and potentially other Felis species like the Chinese desert cat (Felis bieti).
In summary, the ancestors of domestic cats include a diverse range of wild felids that have evolved over millions of years. The African wildcat plays a significant role in this lineage, with its close relationship to the domestic cat evident through both genetic and historical evidence. Understanding the ancestry of cats provides insights into their remarkable adaptability and resilience, allowing them to thrive in a wide array of environments alongside humans.