Who among these does not belong to the cat family?
Who among these does not belong to the cat family?
Answer: To determine who among the given options does not belong to the cat family (Felidae), we need to identify the family each animal belongs to. The Felidae family includes species commonly referred to as cats, which range from domestic cats to big cats like lions, tigers, and leopards. Here’s a detailed analysis:
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Lion (Panthera leo):
- Family: Felidae.
- Characteristics: Lions are large carnivorous mammals known for their muscular build, deep chest, and a mane in males.
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Tiger (Panthera tigris):
- Family: Felidae.
- Characteristics: Tigers are the largest species in the cat family, recognized by their dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur.
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Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus):
- Family: Felidae.
- Characteristics: Known for their speed, cheetahs have a distinctive slender body, deep chest, and unique black “tear stripes” running from the eyes to the mouth.
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Wolf (Canis lupus):
- Family: Canidae.
- Characteristics: Wolves are canine family members, known for their pack behavior, endurance, and their less retractable claws compared to cats. They differ significantly in behavioral and physical characteristics from the cat family.
Final Answer: Among the given options, the Wolf (Canis lupus) does not belong to the cat family (Felidae). Instead, it belongs to the dog family (Canidae), distinguishing it from the cats described above.