IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Ewer, R.F. | |
| Viverrid behavior and the evolution of reproductive behavior in the Felidae | |
| 1974 Conference Proceeding | |
An animal's behavior is never a set of unrelated bits and pieces but an adaptive, integrated whole, just as its structure is. The Felidae are the most accomplished killers amongst the Carnivora and it is only to be expected that this will be reflected in many other aspects of their behavior, including their reproductive and parental behavior. While it may often be relatively simple to see the adaptive significance of the special felid behavioral characteristics, it is not always equally easy to imagine how they evolved and here the time honored comparative method may be of assistance. It is not intended to suggest that any of the extinct viverrids are ancestral to the Felidae but amongst the Feloidea, the Viverridae are the family that has diverged least from the ancestral Miacidae - at least as far as structure is concerned. Since structure and behavior are always closely linked, it is reasonable to suppose that in their behavior too, they may be the least specialized family and it is at least worth inquiring whether their behavior may not throw some light on the evolution or more complex patterns in the Felidae. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |