American researchers from the University of Texas Texas School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences have discovered new information about the evolutionary history of cats and their division into different species. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Nature Genetics.
By comparing the genomes of various cat species, geneticists have found that felines have less complex genetic diversity than primates and other mammals.
The key to the differences between cats and monkeys was the frequency of segmental duplications (segments of DNA that copy other pieces of DNA in the genome).
Scientists have isolated a specific repeat element called DXZ4 that is largely responsible for separating at least two cat species: domestic and wild forest cats.
DXZ4 is what scientists call a satellite repeat. It does not encode physical characteristics (e.g. coat color) but instead helps maintain the three-dimensional structure of the X chromosome. The DXZ4 gene also turned out to be the fastest evolving part of the stable cat genome; It develops 99.5% faster than other genes.
Using new genome sequence data, the team found clear links between the number of olfactory genes and the environment in which certain feline species live. For example, the sense of smell of lions that prefer a solitary lifestyle is much stronger than that of lions that live in flocks.
Another example is wild fishing cats living in Southeast Asia. They retained the ability to detect odors through the water column, which is rare for land animals.
According to scientists, the results of their research will help in the study of cat diseases and contribute to a better understanding of the unique characteristics of their species.
Previously veterinarians in the name The most problematic breeds of domestic cats.