The NY Times has an interesting piece up on the evolution of our beloved cats:
About nine million years ago – two million years after the cat family first appeared in Asia – these successful predators invaded North America by crossing the Beringian land bridge connecting Siberia and Alaska, a team of geneticists writes in the journal Science today.
Later, several American cat lineages returned to Asia. With each migration, evolutionary forces morphed the pantherlike patriarch of all cats into a rainbow of species, from ocelots and lynxes to leopards, lions and the lineage that led to the most successful cat of all, even though it has mostly forsaken its predatory heritage: the cat that has induced people to pay for its board and lodging in return for frugal displays of affection.
What on earth are they talking about? Perhaps commenter Jane’s furry little friends:
Phil (orange and white), who is the namesake of Tennessee football coach Phil Fullmer, and Izzy.
Or this sweet looking mug on Chelsea, who is owned by my friend Tammy (who lurks here but does not comment):
Don’t be fooled by the misleading cuteness in this picture. The stories I could tell about this cat. If I could figure out how to put sound files up, I would put some of the truly horrifying sounds this girl makes up for you to listen to. The stories I could tell- but I will let Chelsea have her moment.
Or Tammy’s other handsome fellow, Baxter:
This cat is actually ginormous, and the picture does not do his size justice. And I don’t mean fat- I mean just big- he has shoulders like a panther.
Perhaps Tammy will send some pictures of her other cats another day.
And if your furry friends have not been featured yet, don’t worry, as I have about eight commenters pets in the queue and they will be featured shortly. If you haven’t already, make sure you get your pics in so I can put them up. This is not limited to cats or dogs.
*** Update ***
