Comparing Cats: A Discussion of Similarities & Differences

[tigerluver]

Nasal Aperture Area in Cats

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From Nasal aperture area and body mass in felids: Ecophysiological implications and paleobiological inferences

The above shows the relative nasal aperture area to body mass ratio of a lot of cat species. Those who fall above the lions have more nasal aperture area relatively and vice versa for those below. A proportiontaly larger nasal aperture area would be indicative of higher air intake per mass, and in a sense more efficient breathing. Lions and cheetahs, from the big cats, are the more efficient breathers. That makes sense considering the more cursorial lifestyle. The jaguar, on the other hand, was below average. Such is perhaps explained by it being a stocky, short burst predator generally easily and quickly overpowering its usual prey.

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