The Curious Case of Ancient Cats: How They Drove Ancient Dogs to Extinction

by Rosa July 26, 2021

written by Rosa July 26, 2021

Ancient Cats: The Culprits Behind the Extinction of Ancient Dogs

Competition and Climate Change in the Eocene Era

During the Eocene Era, approximately 55.8-33.9 million years ago, the Earth witnessed a surge in mammal populations. Primates had recently emerged, and North America was home to a diverse array of canine species, numbering around 30. However, a new study has revealed that most of these ancient dogs vanished abruptly about 20 million years ago. The culprit? Early cats.

The Role of Competition

While various carnivore groups may have competed with dogs, felids (cats) exhibited the most compelling evidence of competition, according to computational biologist and lead author Daniele Silvestro. To determine the specific cause of the ancient canines’ extinction, Silvestro and his team analyzed over 2,000 fossils from animals that coexisted during the period 20-40 million years ago.

Body Type Comparisons

The researchers compared the body types of carnivores such as bears, wolves, and big cats to identify potential competitors for food amidst the planet’s changing climate. Ancient cats, particularly the false-sabretooth cat, emerged as prime suspects. These cats were comparable in size to the canines, consumed similar prey, and thrived during the same period that dogs rapidly disappeared from the fossil record.

Climate Change vs. Competition

Traditionally, climate change has been considered a dominant force in biodiversity evolution. However, Silvestro’s research suggests that competition among carnivore species played an even more significant role in the decline of canids. Despite the planet’s rapidly changing climate, cats proved to be superior predators, outcompeting their canine rivals.

The Rise of Dogs and Cats

While early cats may have driven many ancient dog species to extinction, dogs gained an advantage through their partnership with humans. Genetic evidence indicates that dogs diverged from wolves approximately 27,000 years ago, much earlier than previously believed. In contrast, wildcats only began associating with humans around 9,500 years ago.

Conclusion

The rivalry between cats and dogs extends back millions of years. In the Eocene Era, ancient cats played a decisive role in the extinction of numerous ancient dog species. Competition for food and resources, rather than climate change, emerged as the primary driver of this extinction event. While cats prevailed in this early battle, dogs eventually gained an advantage through their unique relationship with humans.

Rosa

Rosa is a distinguished software engineer whose passion for science and technology was kindled in her early childhood. Growing up in a household where academic curiosity was nurtured, Rosa was deeply influenced by her father, a dedicated physics professor. After long days at the university, her father would come home and engage Rosa in a world of scientific exploration, guiding her through various experiments and fostering a profound love for the intricacies of the physical world. From a young age, Rosa was captivated by the endless possibilities that science presented. She spent countless hours conducting experiments and learning the fundamental principles of physics. This early exposure to scientific inquiry not only honed her analytical skills but also instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Rosa's academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, where she excelled in her studies, driven by the same enthusiasm that had characterized her childhood experiments. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree from a prestigious university. Her academic achievements were marked by numerous accolades and scholarships, reflecting her dedication and exceptional talent in the field. In her professional career, Rosa has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She has worked for several leading technology companies, where she has been instrumental in developing innovative software solutions that have had a substantial impact on various sectors. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing complex algorithms, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of software applications. Beyond her technical prowess, Rosa is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She actively participates in mentorship programs, guiding young women who aspire to pursue careers in technology. Rosa believes in the power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, and she dedicates her time to speaking at conferences and workshops to inspire the next generation of female engineers. In her personal life, Rosa continues to embrace her scientific roots. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new technologies, reading scientific journals, and engaging in discussions about the future of technology. Rosa's journey from a curious child conducting experiments to a successful software engineer is a testament to the power of early exposure to science and the enduring influence of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.