How We Domesticated Cats (Twice)

The video explores the history and process of cat domestication, starting with archaeological findings in Cyprus that predate ancient Egypt's known cat-human relationships. It discusses the genetic lineage of domesticated cats from African Wildcats and the pathways through which domestication occurred. The video also highlights the physical and genetic changes in cats due to domestication and evidence of multiple domestication events. Finally, it addresses the current cat population in Cyprus and their global spread.

What surprising discovery did French archaeologists make in Cyprus?

• A grave with a man and an 8-month-old cat

• A cat-shaped island

• A large population of feral cats

• Ancient cat toys

Which species is the direct ancestor of all domesticated cats today?

• Feliz domestica

• Feliz sylvestris

• Feliz catus

• Feliz sylvestris libica

What is the commensal pathway in animal domestication?

• Animals are attracted to human settlements by food

• Animals are hunted and then bred in captivity

• Animals are selectively bred for specific tasks

• Animals are trained to perform tricks

What physical change occurred in cats due to domestication?

• They developed new coat colors and patterns

• They lost their ability to hunt

• They became larger

• They became more social

How many times are Wildcats thought to have been domesticated?

• Once in Egypt

• Twice, in Southwest Asia and Egypt

• Three times, including in Europe

• Only in Southwest Asia

What role did cats play in ancient Roman households?

• They were worshipped as gods

• They were trained for entertainment

• They were used as messengers

• They were kept to catch rodents and pests

What is the estimated global population of domestic cats today?

• 1 billion

• 600 million

• 100 million

• 300 million