Felidae

One of the interesting aspects ensuing from the rise of molecular phylogenetics is that the trees are generally concordant in broad strokes with older research which was based on morphology. This is not too surprising, as nature does tend to show some intelligible patterns which can be cross-checked with different methods (e.g., the fact of evolutionary change in the tree of life is evident in both the paleontological record and analysis of molecular genetic variation). Additionally, the cladistic revolution has produced a general uniformity of underlying logic when it comes to systematic…
tags: felidae, Sumatran tiger, Panthera tigris sumatrae, mammals, Image of the Day The Sumatran Tiger, Panthera tigris sumatrae, is under threat of extinction. There are only 100-300 left in the wild with 20 occurring in Harapan, Sumatra. Image: Dave Watts [larger view].