Is a hyena more closely related to a dog or a cat? - briefly
A hyena is more closely related to a dog than to a cat. Both hyenas and dogs belong to the subfamily Caninae within the family Canidae, whereas cats are members of the family Felidae.
Is a hyena more closely related to a dog or a cat? - in detail
The relationship between hyenas, dogs, and cats is often a subject of curiosity for many. To address this question comprehensively, we must delve into the realm of taxonomy and evolutionary biology.
Hyenas belong to the family Hyaenidae within the order Carnivora. This order also includes families such as Canidae (dogs) and Felidae (cats). The classification system is based on numerous factors including genetic similarities, morphological traits, and behavioral characteristics.
From a phylogenetic perspective, hyenas are more closely related to cats than they are to dogs. This conclusion is supported by several lines of evidence. Genetic studies have shown that hyenas and cats share a common ancestor that diverged from the lineage leading to dogs at an earlier point in evolutionary history. Furthermore, certain biological features such as retractable claws and similarities in cranial structure further support this closer relationship with felines.
However, it is important to note that while hyenas are more closely related to cats from an evolutionary standpoint, they exhibit several behavioral and ecological adaptations that are more reminiscent of dogs. For instance, hyenas often live in social groups similar to those of wolves, and they display cooperative hunting behaviors akin to canids. These characteristics have led some scientists to refer to hyenas as "honorary canids" due to their social structure and predatory strategies.
In summary, while hyenas share more recent common ancestry with cats, their behavioral and ecological traits often align more closely with those of dogs. This duality highlights the complexity of evolutionary relationships and underscores the importance of considering multiple aspects when evaluating taxonomic affinities.