Comparing Cats: A Discussion of Similarities & Differences

[LandSeaLion]

(06-29-2021, 05:00 AM)Balam Wrote:

(06-29-2021, 04:32 AM)LandSeaLion Wrote: From the perspective of an outsider…it really does look like you all agree with each other more than you disagree, and a lot of the argument has been over semantics (I think Luipaard keeps using the phrase “completely overlap” when they actually mean to say “have a clear overlap”?)

Leopard and jaguar skulls are different. But they aren’t different to the extent of this first drawing (which after all isn’t really a scientific drawing, but an exaggeration meant to showcase the jaguar’s generally broader skull - on the same page, the quoted bite force of the leopard relative to its body size is not actually a great deal smaller than the jaguar’s, 6.7x vs 7.1x):

*This image is copyright of its original author

Is that a reasonable summary?

Mauricio Anton is a paleoartist with an extensive background in the skeletal anatomy of felids, the graph shown in his book is not an "exaggeration" considering the rations in length/width between both species really is that drastic. If you disagree with that, once again show scientific data pointing towards the contrary as the burden of proof falls on the one discrediting the work of another person who happens to be an expert in that regard.

I think you’re misunderstanding me. I am not accusing the artist of making a mistake or discrediting him…I think the difference as drawn is intentionally exaggerated/simplified, to emphasise the difference. That really is all I meant.  Reply