Hirngrössenvariation imFelis silvestris-Kreis

Summary The absolute and relative braincase capacity was described in the literature as one of the best criteria for distinguishing skulls of European wild cats (Felis silvestris silvestris) and domestic cats (Felis silvestris f. catus). Now it is shown that wild cats of North Africa (Felis silvestris lybica) and South Asia (Felis silvestris ornata), in contrast to the wild cats of Europe and of other parts of Africa, have likewise smaller brain capacities comparable to those of the domestic cat originating in this subspecies group ofFelis silvestris. This gives new evidence for discussing the theory of supposed considerable reduction of the brain size in domestication advocated especially byHerre and his collaborators, the general validity of which is called in question.