11.11. Puma concolor: Mountain Lion http://www.ck12.org
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Felidae
- Genus:Puma
- Species:P. concolor
Habitat
Mountain lions live in western North America and throughout South America. Mountain lions can live near the coast
and in the mountains. Mountain lions can also live in the forest.
Biology
Cell Biology
Like all mammals and other animals, the mountain lion is made from eukaryotic cells, which have DNA, ribosomes
and cytoplasm among many other organelles. The DNA contains genes with codes to make proteins. New cells
come from existing cells that grow and divide.
Cells have different shapes. Circular red blood cells pick up oxygen in the lungs and transports it to cells around
the body. In mammals, mature red blood cells have no nuclei. Nerve cells have a long, stringy extension called the
axon. This shape allows the neuron (nerve cell) to connect with other neurons to send signals from different parts of
the body to the brain. Skin cells protect the mountain lion’s body by fitting tightly together.
Evolution
Mountain lions are one of two surviving species in the genus Puma. About thirteen thousand years ago, there
were several types of cats likePanthera atrox, Miracinonyx trumani, saber-toothed Smilodon, and saber-toothed
Homotherium. Research has shown thatM. trumaniis genetically more similar to the mountain lions than to the
surviving African cheetah of today.
Ecology
Mountain lions are ambush predators. The main diet in Texas is deer, specifically white-tailed deer in Southern
Texas and mule deer in Western Texas. Mountain lions eat specifically white-tailed deer and mule deer. Mountain
lions eat 19-40 deer per year. They also eat other animals such as mice, squirrels, porcupines, raccoons, rabbits, and
beavers. They approach their kill slowly and try to stay unseen unseen as they move quietly toward their prey.
Anatomy and Physiology
Mountain lions’ hind legs are longer than their front legs for running and jumping. They have a long spinal column
that increases flexibility when running. Cubs are born with spots to provide better camouflage. Their color can vary:
gray, dark brown, tawny, buff, or cinnamon red depending on their geographic location.