Which two animals is the cougar now understood to be genetically closest to based on molecular data?
Answer
Jaguar and cheetah
Molecular data shows that Puma concolor is genetically closest to the jaguar (Panthera onca) and the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).
Related Questions
To which biological family is Puma concolor scientifically classified?What does the species name concolor translate to, describing the animal’s appearance?Which two animals is the cougar now understood to be genetically closest to based on molecular data?What key vocalization ability distinguishes the cougar lineage from the Panthera genus?Which of the following are listed as the most frequently encountered synonyms for the cougar?What are the historical northern and southern limits of the cougar's native range in the Americas?What is the global conservation status of the species Puma concolor according to the IUCN Red List?In what year was the Eastern Cougar officially declared extinct by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?How is the cougar generally classified regarding its ecological role in many of the ecosystems it inhabits?Which physical characteristic aids the cougar in balance during rapid movement?Which US state is specifically mentioned as having locally extirpated populations of the cougar?