a possible explanation for the formation of tigers, lions and leopards from a common ancestor

Question

a possible explanation for the formation of tigers, lions and leopards from a common ancestor

Answer 1

Hi Paola C.,

So the process you are considering is called divergence of species, or speciation. Usually, geographic isolation, followed by habitat changes, genetic drift, or changes in food sources (such as, they evolved, too!), are sufficient to allow speciation. Or, there may be competition for resources -- then, you might end up with Lions and Tigers and Bears (the last has a more distant co-ancestor, however). You can look up phylogenetic trees of the Felidae, you know, on Wikipedia, for example. Use your resources!

-- Cheers, --Mr. d.