Living BeingsCompare species
Domestic Cat
Felis catus
African Baobab
Adansonia digitata
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | Domestic Cat | African Baobab |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | Body size, coat pattern and hair length vary extensively through domestication. | Thick, fibrous bark surrounds a broad trunk. Each compound leaf has several leaflets radiating from a central point. |
| Habitat and range | Most populations are associated with present or former human settlement, although feral animals can enter natural habitats. | A terrestrial tree of tropical Africa, it is adapted to seasonally dry conditions and is also planted in gardens and settlements. |
| Diet and nutrition | Cats are obligate carnivores. Free-ranging individuals may hunt small mammals, birds and other animals even when people also provide food. | Leaves produce sugars through photosynthesis. Water and mineral nutrients are taken up through the roots. |
| Behavior and activity | Scent marking, body posture and vocal communication help organize interactions. Social behavior depends strongly on resources and individual history. | Data unavailable |
| Reproduction and life cycle | Data unavailable | Large, hanging white flowers develop into capsules containing seeds embedded in pale, powdery pulp. New trees can be grown from seed. |
| Geographic distribution | Domestic cats have been dispersed widely by people. MDD records this taxon in its domesticated category rather than providing a list of native countries. | Native to Africa and cultivated elsewhere. The accompanying photograph shows a planted specimen in Madagascar; that location should not be confused with the native range of every baobab species. |
| Ecological role | Data unavailable | Its flowers, fruit and extensive woody structure provide biological resources. The familiar name baobab also applies to other species, which should not be confused with this one. |
| Distinctive adaptations | Data unavailable | A substantial trunk and drought-resistant growth form help distinguish this tree from many humid-forest trees. |
Classification
Shared ancestry
Closest shared taxon: Eukaryota.