Hyena phylogenetic relationship to felines

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Hyena Phylogenetic Relationship to Felines: Feliformia Evolution

Feliformia Phylogeny: Hyenas and Cats

Hyenas (family Hyaenidae) and cats (family Felidae) are both part of the Feliformia suborder, which also includes mongooses (Herpestidae) and civets (Viverridae). The evolutionary relationships among these families have been debated, but genetic and morphological studies consistently place hyenas and cats as closely related within the Feliformia, forming a sister group relationship. This means that hyenas and cats share a more recent common ancestor with each other than with other carnivores like dogs or bears 15.

Genetic Evidence: SRY Gene and Genomic Studies

Molecular studies, including sequencing of the sex determining region Y (SRY) gene, show high similarity between hyena and cat sequences, further supporting their close evolutionary relationship. These findings confirm that hyenas are more closely related to felines than to other carnivore groups, and that their divergence represents a deep split within the cat-like carnivores 45.

Immunological and Functional Similarities

Immunological research also supports the close relationship between hyenas and felines. Studies have shown that antibodies developed for domestic cats cross-react with hyena immunoglobulins, and the molecular weights of hyena immunoglobulin chains are similar to those of felines. This functional similarity in immune system components is consistent with their shared evolutionary history .

Evolutionary Divergence and Distinctiveness

Despite their close relationship, hyenas and cats have evolved distinct ecological roles and adaptations. Hyenas are specialized for scavenging and hunting, while cats are obligate predators. Genomic studies of hyenas, such as the brown hyena, reveal that they represent a deeply diverging branch within Feliformia, highlighting both their relatedness to and divergence from felines .

Conclusion

Hyenas and felines are closely related within the Feliformia suborder, sharing a recent common ancestor and significant genetic and immunological similarities. However, they have followed separate evolutionary paths, resulting in the unique adaptations seen in each family today 1245.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Carnivoran Evolution: Phylogeny of the Viverridae and ‘Viverrid-like’ feliforms

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8citations

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Development of a hyena immunology toolbox

This study identified a set of isotype-specific antibodies that can be used to study spotted hyena immune function and immunization responses, aiding future research on pathogen exposure and immune function in this species.

Non-RCTAnimal Study

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Spotted hyenas in the Serengeti ecosystem are highly exposed to coronavirus, but its clinical signs and mortality rates remain unclear.

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Sex determining region Y (SRY) sequencing and non-invasive molecular sexing in three wild species: brown (Parahyaena brunnea) and spotted (Crocuta crocuta) hyenas and aardvark (Orycteropus afer).

Non-invasive molecular sexing using the SRY gene enables fast and reliable identification of brown and spotted hyenas and aardvarks, aiding in captive breeding programs and field studies.

2019·

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·M. Vozdova et al.

Extended and Continuous Decline in Effective Population Size Results in Low Genomic Diversity in the World’s Rarest Hyena Species, the Brown Hyena

Brown hyenas have extremely low genetic diversity, likely due to a continuous decline in population size since the Pleistocene, with potential subpopulations within the species.

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Toxoplasma gondii infections are associated with costly boldness toward felids in a wild host

Toxoplasma gondii-infected hyena cubs approach lions more closely and have higher rates of lion mortality, potentially promoting trophic transmission into feline hosts.

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Humans and Hyenas

Hyenas have a complex relationship with humans, despite their misrepresentation as skulking, cowardly scavengers, and their ability to adapt to humans more successfully than predators like lions and tigers.

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The population history of extant and extinct hyenas.

Hyenas show low genetic diversity and high migration rates, with spotted hyenas showing three migration waves from Africa to Eurasia and striped hyenas expanding their range less than 0.1 MYA.

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