Black panther

:This article is about the big cat. For other meanings of the term, see Black panther (disambiguation).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The black panther is a genetic variant of several species of cats. In North America, the term panther means puma. In South America it means a jaguar. Elsewhere in the world it refers to leopard (originally individuals with longer tails were deemed panthers and others were leopards, it is a common misconception that panther meant a melanistic individual).

Related Topics:
Genetic variant - Cat - Puma - Jaguar

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It does not exist as a separate species. The variant is most common in jaguars (Panthera onca) where it is due to a dominant gene mutation, and leopards (Panthera pardus) where it is due to a recessive gene mutation. Close examination of one of these black cats will show that the typical markings are still there, and are simply hidden by the surplus of the black pigment melanin. Cats with melanism can co-exist with litter mates that do not have this condition. In cats that hunt mainly at night the condition is not detrimental. white_panthers also exist, these being albino or leucistic individuals of the same three species.

Related Topics:
Jaguar - Leopard - Black - Melanin - Melanism - White_panther - Albino

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It is probable that melanism is a favorable evolutionary mutation with a selective advantage for its possessor, since it is more commonly found in regions of dense forest, where light levels are lower. Melanism is also linked to beneficial mutations in the immune system.

Related Topics:
Mutation - Selective advantage

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This is the animal that the NYC public high school, Robert F. Wagner Jr./SSAT has decided to name it's soccer team after.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~