Comparing Cats: A Discussion of Similarities & Differences

[LandSeaLion]

(12-10-2021, 06:35 PM)Khan85 Wrote:

(12-10-2021, 04:04 PM)LandSeaLion Wrote:

(12-10-2021, 09:12 AM)Khan85 Wrote: 1. Scapula

In case of the scapula, also known as the shoulder bone, my database leans towards african lions to have larger scapula's than other Panthera cats but the difference is very limited and can (will) come down to the individuals in question. 


2. Forelimb bones and musculature

The ranking as per the forelimb bones: 
1. Panthera onca 
2. Panthera spelaea 
3. Neofelis 
4. Panthera tigris 
5. Panthera leo 

The difference between Panthera onca and the cave lion was limited, and the former showed slightly more developed muscle attachment. The difference in between Panthera tigris and Panthera leo was very little, but the former had muscle attachments that exceeded the latter by a sizeable amount. 

I’m not surprised by jaguars topping the list. It is interesting that cave lions appear to have been quite physically similar.

Can you please elaborate on this bit a little more? Do you mean limited difference in bone structure, but a more significant difference in musculature?

Quote:The difference in between Panthera tigris and Panthera leo was very little, but the former had muscle attachments that exceeded the latter by a sizeable amount

These observations gel with my intuition though. It has always seemed to me that (modern) lions have more robust neck and shoulders, but tigers have bulkier forelimbs.

Yes, cave lions were close behind jaguars. Important thing here is that the sample of cave lions were females only, and males might even surpass the jaguars. 

Quote:Can you please elaborate on this bit a little more? Do you mean limited difference in bone structure, but a more significant difference in musculature?

Exactly, difference in bones was limited but significant in musculature. 

From some data that I have seen regarding lion and tiger neck circumference, it appears tigers do have bigger necks (avg and max).

Oh that’s interesting. My intuition about the necks was just based on visual rather than scientific evidence (I like to draw big cats), and references like Jun’s anatomy. There’d certainly be a lot of individual variation though. Reply