Scientists from Stanford Medicine have actually discovered that the special patterns and features of Bengal felines are the outcome of selective breeding of domestic feline genes, not necessarily from their wild Asian leopard cat ancestors.Researchers studied hundreds of Bengal felines to uncover the hereditary origins of their leopard-like patterns and discovered that their appearance stems mainly from domesticated cats.Bengal felines are treasured for their look; the exotically marbled and spotted coats of these domestic family pets make them look like small, streamlined jungle felines. The origin of those coats– assumed to come from the genes of Asian leopard cats that were reproduced with home felines– turns out to be less exotic.Stanford Medicine researchers, in collaboration with Bengal feline breeders, have actually discovered that the Bengal felines iridescent sheen and leopard-like patterns can be traced to domestic cat genes that were strongly picked for after the felines were bred with wild felines. In 2008, they started reaching out to feline breeders, going to cat shows, and gathering cheek swabs and photographs of Bengal cats.Genetic analysis shows Bengal felines unique appearances are due to selected domestic genes, exposing myths about their wild heritage and improving breeding strategies.Genetic SurprisesThe Stanford Medicine group presumed that Bengal felines may offer them an accessible method to probe the genetics of wild feline colors and patterns that had evolved naturally.
Researchers from Stanford Medicine have actually found that the distinct patterns and features of Bengal felines are the result of selective breeding of domestic feline genes, not necessarily from their wild Asian leopard feline ancestors.Researchers studied hundreds of Bengal felines to reveal the genetic origins of their leopard-like patterns and found that their appearance stems largely from domesticated cats.Bengal cats are prized for their look; the exotically marbled and spotted coats of these domestic pets make them look like little, smooth jungle felines. The origin of those coats– assumed to come from the genes of Asian leopard cats that were reproduced with house felines– turns out to be less exotic.Stanford Medicine scientists, in partnership with Bengal feline breeders, have found that the Bengal cats rainbowlike sheen and leopard-like patterns can be traced to domestic feline genes that were strongly selected for after the cats were bred with wild cats. Barsh is the senior author of the paper.The results shed light not just on the Bengal felines coat but likewise help address wider questions about how look is encoded in genes and how different genes work together to yield colors, patterns, and physical features.Bengal cats distinct traits come from domestic genes, not leopard feline origins, with selective breeding highlighting these features.Wild OriginsBarsh and his associates, including senior scientist Christopher Kaelin, PhD, use felines and other animals to study the genetics of physical features.”From the 1960s through the 1980s, breeders, led by biologist Jean Mills, crossed the wild Asian leopard cat species Prionailurus bengalensis with domestic felines to produce a new, aesthetically striking feline type. In 2008, they started reaching out to cat breeders, going to feline shows, and gathering cheek swabs and pictures of Bengal cats.Genetic analysis shows Bengal felines unique looks are due to selected domestic genes, exposing myths about their wild heritage and improving breeding strategies.Genetic SurprisesThe Stanford Medicine group suspected that Bengal cats might offer them an available method to probe the genes of wild cat colors and patterns that had progressed naturally.