Dictionary > Pantherinae

Pantherinae

Definition
noun
A taxonomic subfamily belonging to the family Felidae, and includes the genera Panthera and Neofelis
Supplement
Felidae is a taxonomic family belonging to the suborder Feliormia, of order Carnivora. It is comprised of two subfamilies: Pantherinae (big cats) and Felinae. The pantherine cats have an imperfectly ossified suspensorium of the hyoid. The elastic tendon at the interior confers great mobility upon the larynx and help distend the back of the mouth greatly.1
Pantherinae is a subfamily that is comprised of two genera: (1) Panthera and (2) Neofelis. This subfamily is first described by Reginald Innes Pocock, a British zoologist, in 1917.1 The genus Panthera is comprised of lion, tiger, jaguar, and leopard. They share common cranial features. These panthers are capable of roaring, which is assumed to be due to special morphological features of their larynx that enable them to roar.2 Neofelis includes the clouded leopard and sunda clouded leopard.
Scientific classification:

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Carnivora
  • Suborder: Feliformia
  • Family: Felidae
  • Subfamily: Pantherinae (Pocock, 1917)

See also:

  • Felidae
  • tiger
  • lion
  • jaguar
  • leopard

Reference(s):

1 Pocock, R. I. (1917). The Classification of existing Felidae. The Annals and Magazine of Natural History. Series 8, Volume XX: 329–350.

2 Nowak, R. M. (1999). Walker’s Mammals of the World. Johns Hopkins University Press.


You will also like...

Physiological Homeostasis
Physiological Homeostasis

Homeostasis is essential to maintain conditions within the tolerable limits. Otherwise, the body will fail to function p..

Plant meristem
Plant Meristems and Growth

In plants, growth occurs in meristems, which are the site of repeated cell division of unspecialized cells. These cells ..

Bryophytes
Bryophytes

Bryophytes (nonvascular plants) are a plant group characterized by lacking vascular tissues. They include the mosses, th..

Consciousness and behavior
Consciousness and Behavior

Human consciousness and behavior are an interesting topic since they are determined and controlled by the brain. Conscio..

Population Growth and Survivorship
Population Growth and Survivorship

This lesson looks at population attributes, regulation, and growth. It also covers population genetics, particularly gen..

Plant Water Regulation
Plant Water Regulation

Plants need to regulate water in order to stay upright and structurally stable. Find out the different evolutionary adap..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics