What family do hyenas belong to
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Hyenas: Family Hyaenidae
Introduction to Hyaenidae Family
Hyenas belong to the family Hyaenidae, a small but ecologically diverse group within the order Carnivora. Despite having only four extant species, the family exhibits a remarkable range of ecological and social behaviors that surpass those of many larger carnivore families such as canids and felids .
Extant Species of Hyaenidae
The four living species within the Hyaenidae family are the aardwolf (Proteles cristata), the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), the brown hyena (Parahyaena brunnea), and the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) 12. Each species occupies a unique ecological niche, ranging from the insectivorous aardwolf to the bone-cracking spotted hyena .
Evolutionary History and Phylogeny
The Hyaenidae family has a rich evolutionary history, with a peak diversity during the Late Miocene (12–6 million years ago) when at least 24 different hyena species existed . Modern hyenas are the remnants of this once diverse group. Molecular studies have shown that within the monophyletic Hyaenidae, Parahyaena and Hyaena are closely related, with Crocuta as their sister clade, and Proteles forming the most basal lineage . This phylogenetic structure is supported by both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analyses .
Ecological Specialization
Hyenas exhibit significant ecological specialization. The aardwolf is a specialized insectivore, primarily feeding on termites, while the other three species are adapted to scavenging and bone-cracking 24. The striped hyena, for instance, has evolved specific immune and digestive system adaptations to thrive on a scavenging diet . This specialization is reflected in their genomic makeup, with expansions in gene families related to immunity and digestion .
Genetic Diversity and Population Dynamics
The genetic diversity within the Hyaenidae family varies significantly among species. The brown hyena, for example, has extremely low genetic diversity due to a prolonged decline in effective population size . In contrast, the spotted hyena and aardwolf maintain higher levels of genetic diversity and more stable population sizes 68. These differences highlight the impact of ecological specialization and demographic history on the genetic health of each species.
Social Structures and Behaviors
Hyena societies are as diverse as their ecological roles. Spotted hyenas live in large, complex social groups called clans, which are characterized by hierarchical structures and frequent social interactions . In contrast, other species like the striped and brown hyenas tend to have simpler social structures. These social behaviors are influenced by the ecological pressures and resource availability in their respective habitats 17.
Conclusion
Hyenas, belonging to the family Hyaenidae, are a fascinating group of feliform carnivores with a rich evolutionary history and diverse ecological roles. Despite their reduced species diversity today, they continue to occupy a wide range of habitats and exhibit complex social behaviors, making them a unique subject of study in the field of mammalian carnivores.
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