Cave lions and modern lions diverged over 1.5 million years ago

An international study has revealed that cave lions and modern lions represent distinct evolutionary lineages that separated over 1.5 million years ago. Researchers from Britain and Sweden analyzed 12 ancient cave lion genomes alongside 20 modern lion genomes from Africa and South Asia.

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The history of the cave lion is fundamentally being known from the study of fossil remains and prehistoric art samples.

The study, published in the journal Cell, utilized DNA extracted from ancient fossils, including exceptionally well-preserved soft tissue samples from two cave lion cubs found in northern Siberia. These fossils spanned over 100,000 years, providing a deep look into the species' past. The genetic analysis highlighted key differences in adaptations and behaviors between the two groups.

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The DNA of cave lions was extracted mainly from teeth and bones, although also soft tissue samples from two exceptionally well-preserved cave lion cubs in northern Siberia.

Cave lions, which inhabited the cold Pleistocene ecosystems of the Northern Hemisphere, were larger, had lighter fur, and lacked manes. These physical traits, along with isotopic analyses suggesting a more solitary hunting diet, indicate they were likely more solitary predators compared to the pride-forming modern lions. This distinct biology allowed them to thrive in harsh, cold environments.

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The cave lions presented traits more adapted to the cold Pleistocene ecosystems of the Northern Hemisphere: they were larger, had lighter hair, and did not have a mane.

Global climate change cycles played a significant role in the evolution of cave lions. Fluctuations in glacial periods altered their geographic distribution, affected connectivity between populations, and promoted episodes of both interbreeding and isolation. The research identified multiple instances of gene flow between cave lions and modern lions, closely linked to past global climatic shifts. This genetic exchange demonstrates a complex evolutionary history shaped by environmental pressures.

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The authors have seen how glacial cycles influenced the evolution of lions by causing changes in their geographic distribution, altering their connectivity and promoting both episodes of gene flow (interbreeding) and isolation between the different lineages.