The first sequenced tiger genome shows that big cats evolved to kill. Genes for strong muscle fibers and for meat-eating appear narrowly shared, researchers reported, among species as distinct as the African lion and Asia’s snow leopard.
“I take this to indicate that [big cats] have evolved to fill a very particular carnivorous niche in the environment that is predicated on the advantages in hunting these genes provide,” said Bhak.
Domestic cats also have many of these same genes, he said. “All the cats are unparalleled hunters, and here we are seeing some of the genetic reasons.”
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