What was the primary evolutionary filter that forged the defining traits of the Maine Coon?
Answer
The harsh New England environment and natural selection
The process of natural selection in the rugged, demanding climate of Maine favored traits that aided survival, such as water-resistant coats and large paws for navigating snow.
Related Questions
What classification best describes the development path of the Maine Coon cat?Which two breeds are most commonly cited as potential genetic cousins of the Maine Coon?What was the primary evolutionary filter that forged the defining traits of the Maine Coon?How does the origin method of a natural breed differ from that of a modern crossbreed?What characteristic of the Maine Coon's coat is shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach?What trait aids the Maine Coon's survival, as suggested by its physical structure developed in Maine?What is the distinct muzzle shape typical of a purebred Maine Coon bred strictly to standard?What feature of the Maine Coon's tail led to part of its name?What two elements are identified as the true 'parents' that created the Maine Coon line historically?What hallmark ear characteristics point toward the speculated wilder ancestry of the Maine Coon?If a cat has clear features of another established breed, such as an extreme flat face, what is its likely ancestry?