Felidae Genetic Family Tree: DNA vs Taxonomy

Recent DNA research has opened the door to a whole new cat family tree! Rather than comparing physical characteristics (which is the traditional form of classification) this method compares the genetic distance between cat species. (The results rely on the controversial theory that genetic mutations accumulate at a fairly constant rate.) The idea of comparing DNA seems to make more sense than traditional taxonomy because similar physical characteristics can develop in totally unrelated species, making them seem related when they are not related. Use the genetic tree below to learn about these relationships! Hint: Pay attention to where the species live. When you try to fill in the tree, this will help you figure out to which lineage a cat belongs.

Genetic Tree       Play: Beginner       Play: Advanced

Ocelot Lineage (7 Species) North America / South America Ocelot, Oncilla, Geoffroy's Cat, Pampas Cat, Kodkod, Margay, Mountain Cat Domestic Cat Lineage (7 Species) Africa / Asia / Europe Wild Cat, Domestic Cat, Jungle Cat, Sand Cat, Pallas' Cat, Chinese Desert Cat, Black-footed Cat Puma Lineage (3 Species) Africa / Asia / North America / South America Puma, Cheetah, Jaguarundi Panther Lineage (6 Species) Africa / Asia / Europe / North America / South America Lion, Tiger, Leopard, Jaguar, Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard Lynx Lineage (5 Species) Asia / Europe / North America Canada Lynx, Eurasian Lynx, Iberian Lynx, Bobcat, Marbled Cat Rusty-Spotted Cat Lineage (1 Species) Asia Rusty-spotted Cat Serval Lineage (1 Species) Africa Serval Caracal Lineage (2 Species) Africa / Asia Caracal, African Golden Cat Bay Cat Lineage (2 Species) Asia Bornean Bay Cat, Temminck's Golden Cat Asian Leopard Cat Lineage (4 Species) Asia Leopard Cat, Iriomote Cat, Flat-headed Cat, Fishing Cat Reference: The Family Line, National Geographic, June 1997, by Stephen J. O'Brien.