Recent research shows wild cats have a remarkable variety of eye colors, which differ from the usually simplistic color schemes of most wild species. Harvard researchers, led by Julius Tabin, analyzed photographs of wild cats to trace eye color evolution through a process known as ancestral state reconstruction. They mapped eye colors to the cat family tree, identifying common ancestors' potential eye colors. Findings indicate that the evolutionary lineage began with gray eyes before diversifying into a broader spectrum, driven by different combinations of melanin pigments.
The study reveals how wild cats' eye colors evolved, showcasing a transformation from ancestral gray eyes to a stunning range of hues like blue and green.
Using photographs from iNaturalist, researchers have mapped eye colors across the wild cat family tree, revealing a striking evolution of eye pigmentation.
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