Domestic cats are the revered and treasured pet-companions of people throughout the world. These cats, however, retain the predatory nature, grandeur, and mystique of their wild feline relatives. The course will begin with the recent DNA studies that elucidated evolutionary relationships between cat species. Most of the course will focus on understanding the genetic basis of specific traits in the domestic cat.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008: Big cats and little cats: introduction
to the family Felidae
An overview of the classification of the more than 35 cat species from the big
cats of the African savanna to the worldwide domestic cat.
Wednesday January 23, 2008: Evolution of the cat
family
Recent DNA studies of 37 living cat species have provided insights into the
evolutionary history, world migrations, and development of these species.
Wednesday January 30, 2008: The diversity of cat breeds
Approximately 40 cat breeds are recognized by “cat fancier” groups.
The class will examine the development of cat breeds and the history of cat
fancier organizations.
Wednesday February 6, 2008: Coat colors, calicos, and tortoise
shells
The lecture will explore a few of the complex cellular, genetic, and biochemical
processes that determine coat color and patterns of color in domestic cats.
Wednesday February 13, 2008: Morphology: No tail, extra toes, and
folded ears
Classical genetics studies have identified the patterns of inheritance for many
cat traits. Some interesting traits that affect cat body structure will be discussed.
Wednesday February 20, 2008: Why don’t cats
like sweets?
Cats often seem indifferent to sugary foods. Analyses of genes involved in taste
sensation show that cats lack the receptor for sweetness. The lecture will cover
the sensory process of taste and the specific defect in the cat’s sweet
taste receptor gene.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008: Cat genetic profiling and forensic
science
DNA markers have been used to create a population genetic profile and forensic
database for domestic cats. In a 1990’s court case the forensic analysis
of car hair from a crime scene was used as prosecutorial evidence. The court
case and the development of the cat DNA database will be discussed.
B. Resource pages about "big cats"
BigCats.com- "News, editorials,
pictures, and information about all big cats and wild cats."
C. Cat Evolution
Saber
Tooth Tiger Information from the University of California Museum of Paleontology
D. Cat Breeds
Cat Fanciers Association, Inc. - "the
world's largest registry of pedigreed cats"
About
Cat Breeds - Section of a web site with basic information about cats and
many links to other reference sites on specific topics about cat breeds
E. Conservation and preservation groups for Big Cat species
The Clouded Leopard Leopard Project
Feline Conservation Federation
- "The FCF is comprised of a wide range of exotic cat enthusiasts such
as professional breeders and educators, sanctuary and zoo owners and individual
"pet" owners."
F. Miscellaneous Websites
Cats with Polydactyly - general information and photos of cats with extra toes
Scottish Fold breed - information about the history of the Scottish Fold breed
from the Cat Fanciers Association, Inc. web site
Annotated collection of web links for sites about felines - sponsored by the
Veterinary Support Personnel Network
Return to the homepage for the Genetics Series at the Wagner Free Institute of Science
Latest update: January 22, 2008
Questions? Email Mary Beth Davis.