Muscular anatomy of the forelimb of Leopardus geoffroyi: Functional and phylogenetic aspects in Feliformia, part I. Proximal forelimb.

Anatomical knowledge is fundamental for all species. In particular, myology allows a deeper understanding of ecomorphology-especially for those species hard to observe in the wild-and may be an important source for phylogenetic information. In this study, we analyzed the myological variation of the musculature of the shoulder and arm of the forelimb in species of the suborder Feliformia and its relationship with the phylogenetic history and the locomotor behavior, habitat, and predatory habits of the species within this group, using Leopardus geoffroyi as a case study.

Comparative myology of the ankle of Leopardus wiedii and L. geoffroyi (Carnivora: Felidae): functional consistency with osteology, locomotor habits and hunting in captivity.

Leopardus wiedii (margay) is the only arboreal Neotropical felid able to climb head-first down trees, due to its ability to rotate its tarsal joint 180°. A closely related, similar-sized species, L. geoffroyi (Geoffroy's cat) exhibits more typical terrestrial habits and lacks the arboreal capabilities of L.