Scientists employed several approaches to study the domestication and distribution of cats, including the following methods:
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DNA Analysis: Researchers sequenced and compared DNA from ancient cat remains and modern cats, including wildcats and domestic breeds. This analysis helped to trace the genetic lineage and understand how domestication occurred.
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Biological Comparisons: Comparative studies between the biology (morphological and behavioral traits) of ancient cats and current household cats provided insights into the changes that occurred during the domestication process.
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Evolutionary Studies: Scientists explored the evolution of household cats in relation to other domesticated animals, which helped to contextualize their unique path of domestication.
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Archaeological Evidence: The examination of archaeological sites for cat remains and their association with human settlements contributed valuable information about when and where domestication occurred.
These methods collectively offered a comprehensive understanding of how cats were domesticated and their distribution across different regions.
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