Felines are a ‘Family’ of mammals in the
animal kingdom. But what does this really mean and
how does it relate them to other animals? Science understands
the organization of nature to be hierarchical with
each step on the ladder or branch of the tree describing
a degree of physical similarity, and from more recent
findings, genetic closeness. This branch of knowledge
is called taxonomy.
The organization of living things can be seen like
a pyramid or tree with seven major levels or categories
along with the common name: Kingdom, Phylum, Class,
Order, Family, Genus, Species (Subspecies). Taxonomy
often includes the "Common Name" for reference.
If we take a Siberian Tiger, we can trace it through
the hierarchy of nature, taxonomy as follows, it belongs
Sharing with all other members of this group the need
to feed on organic matter (unlike plants which can
create energy using light and minerals).
Phylum: Chordata (or vertebrata) …
Sharing with all other members of this group of animals,
a backbone with a hollow nerve chord.
Sharing with all other members of this group of vertebrates,
the ability to feed their offspring on milk and having
a body covering which includes fur.
Sharing with all other members of this group of mammals,
extreme night vision capabilities and various more
broadly defined characteristics including: high intelligence,
relatively long maturation period for the young,
dental similarities, tendency for complex social
organization, and generally bearing 2-3 young in
a litter (but they may birth as many as 4-5 at one
Family: Felidae (cat)
Sharing with other members of this group of mammals,
a tail, sharp claws, elongated incisor canine teeth
Genus: Panthera tigris
Sharing with other members of this group of felines,
scent marking methods, vocalizations, aspects of
social structure and overall body shape
Species: Panthera tigris altaicia
A species is the primary unit of biological classification
or taxonomy. Species members share a basic genetic
similarity and can interbreed and produce viable or
It is important to be aware, when exploring the field
of taxonomy, as is true in many branches of science,
it is always changing and evolving. As our knowledge
deepens and our tools for investigation become more
precise there are often shifts and changes in how we
describe an animal from a taxonomic point of view.
A classic case can be seen with Pandas. When first
described by European scientists they were classified
as bears or ursids… a family of carnivores (order)
in the mammal class of vertebrate animals. Then for
a few decades, scientists thought that they weren’t
bears and placed them, still within the carnivore order… but
in a family closer to raccoons. In the last fifteen
years, after further study and aided by the new science
of gene mapping, pandas have been returned to the bear
family… an unusual case of an older view still
being (at least for now) correct after all.
If you choose to explore taxonomy with your students
it is wise to avoid too many absolutes and to encourage
a questioning environment in your discussions.