There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
Does it include the geographical clade of West African/Asiatic lions today, or the previous generation lions (1.2 - 1.4 MYA) born from P. leo fossilis, that eventually gave rise to P. leo atrox?
By the way, the American Lion resembles quite a bit more like the former European Cave Lion (fossilis) than the newer European Cave Lion (spelaea) in terms of skeletal structure.
Fossilis and Atrox both had a more elongated facial structure and, from speculation, a less-robust build than Spelaea. So it does make sense that Fossilis would be the direct ancestor of the American Lion.