ZOOLOGY SERIES
Big Cats, Little Cats, and Their Genes
Professor Mary Beth Davis
This course will be held at the Independence Branch of the Free Library, located at 18 S. 7th Street (7th and Markets Streets), Philadelphia.
LECTURES BEGIN AT 6:30 P.M.
- Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - Cats: An 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 Felidae 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
This 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, Feburary 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 1990s court case, the forensic analysis of cat hair from a crime scene was used as prosecutorial evidence. The court case and the development of the cat DNA database will be discussed.
Register for this course at the first lecture. No preregistration required.
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.
Online resources about topics in basic biology and genetics are available at the Web site for the Genetics Series at the Wagner Free Institute of Science.
www.wagnerfreeinstitute.org/classes/genetics
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