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The Unnamed Bobcat Ancestor and the Pangaea
Most of the world's bobcat population can be found in the United States. The bobcat is most closely genetically related to the Canadian lynx, Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). It is believed these four species evolved from a common, unnamed ancestor in North America 6.7 million years ago. Experts believe their separation occurred following the breakup of the continental land mass once composed of North and South America, Europe and Africa. This geological event is referred to as Pangaea.
The Eurasian Lynx Bobcat Ancestor
During the ice age, or Pleistoene epoch, which occurred 2.5 million years ago, the Eurasian lynx arrived in North America. Experts believe the bobcat evolved from this cat about 20,000 years ago. Today, there are 12 subspecies of the Eurasian lynx, including the bobcat. Scholars contend the bobcat's ancestors arrived in North America when the ice sheets receded.
The Bobcat's Size
Some speculate the bobcat -- which, at 30 lbs. or under, is considered small among wild cats -- evolved to a smaller size owing to competition from other large North American carnivores. Those that evolved to become the Canada lynx adapted to hunt snow hares. Bobcats vary in size with latitude and elevation, so that bobcats in the Midwest are generally larger than those from other parts of the United States.
Hybrids and the Future
Bobcats continue to evolve in the modern era. Today, bobcats and Canada lynx sometimes breed, creating hybrids found in northern states, such as Maine and Minnesota. These hybrid species exhibit a blend of characteristics. The Canada lynx were listed as endangered in 2000. Two years later a wildlife biologist took tissue samples from the carcasses of two lynx with unusual physical traits. A laboratory confirmed the tissue contained hybrid genes -- something not found prior to that incident.