Despite being one of the most common domestic animals in the world and the close proximity that many people share with this species, the impact of human selection on the morphology and functional adaptations of domestic cats (Felis catus) remains largely understudied. This PhD project aims to explore the musculo-skeletal diversity of the masticatory apparatus of extant domestic cats by comparison to its wild counterpart (Felis sylvestris) and to track morpho-functional changes since early periods. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining 3D geometric morphometrics applied to crania and mandibles with quantitative dissections of the jaw adductor muscles, we aim to link morpho-functional diversity to environmental and anthropogenic factors. In the long term, this framework will enable us to interpret past diversity and provide a diachronic evolutionary perspective to our study. Preliminary results indicate significant shape differences between the mandibles of domestic and wild cats, suggesting underlying functional divergence in the masticatory apparatus. Complementary analyses of masticatory muscle architecture also reveal differences in relative muscle proportions between groups, consistent with contrasting ecological constraints, particularly regarding prey capture and food processing in this strict carnivore. Although based on different individuals, these results provide converging evidence for functional differentiation between wild and domestic cats, and highlight the need to explore covariation between mandibular form and muscle architecture within the same individuals.
- Tracking the impact of human selection on the cat masticatory system
- Vito Belfiore - Muséum national d'Histoire naturelleAna Balcarcel - University of BernAnne‐claire Fabre - University of BernSirpa KurzClaude Guintard - Université de NantesChristophe CélesteCyrielle FinckMarta GarbinRenaud JossierPhilippe MigaudMarion Fusellier - OnirisMargot Michaud - UniLaSalleAllowen Evin - Université de Montpellier, ISEM - Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution - MontpellierAnthony Herrel - Mécanismes Adaptatifs et EvolutionColline Brassard - Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution
- Symposium de Morphométrie et d'Évolution des Formes (Lyon, France, 17/06/2026–19/06/2026)
- 99260757609311
- ISEM - Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution - Montpellier
- English
- Conference poster
- hal-05678783