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New genomic research is shedding light on the cave lion, an extinct feline that once dominated vast territories across the Northern Hemisphere. Analysis of 12 cave lion genomes, dating from 17,000 to 148,000 years ago, reveals that these ancient predators were not merely prehistoric versions of today's lions but represented a distinctly separate evolutionary branch.

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We show that cave lions were not simply Ice Age versions of modern lions, but instead represented a highly distinct evolutionary lineage.

The study, published in the journal Cell, indicates that the evolutionary lineages of cave lions (Panthera spelaea) and modern lions diverged approximately 1.7 million years ago during the Pleistocene Epoch. Researchers extracted DNA from ancient bones, teeth, and even well-preserved soft tissue from Siberian cubs, including a remarkable specimen named Sparta. This genetic material allowed scientists to compare cave lion genomes with those of 20 modern lions.

Love Dalén, a senior author of the study from the Centre for Palaeogenetics, stated, "We show that cave lions were not simply Ice Age versions of modern lions, but instead represented a highly distinct evolutionary lineage." These genetic differences likely equipped them for their environments and behaviors, influencing aspects like growth, vision, brain function, and circulatory development.

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The cave lion was absolutely an apex predator, and as such filled an incredibly important and impactful ecological role.

Contrary to their name, cave lions did not exclusively inhabit caves. They thrived in the cold, open grasslands and tundras of northern Eurasia and northwestern North America, an ecosystem known as the mammoth steppe. This frigid environment, resembling today's African savanna in its open nature, supported large prey.

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They were one of the most widespread carnivores to ever live.

David Stanton, the study's lead author and an evolutionary geneticist at Cardiff University, described the cave lion as "absolutely an apex predator" that played a crucial ecological role. They were among the most widespread carnivores ever, likely hunting young or old woolly mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses, antelope, reindeer, horses, and bison. While direct evidence of them preying on humans is lacking, Stanton noted it's "highly likely" they occasionally did, given that Ice Age humans were familiar with these animals, often depicted accurately in cave paintings, typically without the prominent mane seen on modern male lions.

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While there is no clear evidence that cave lions preyed on humans, it seems highly likely that they occasionally did so.