Which of the following best describes the relationship between jaguars and panthers?

• A. Panthers are the result of hybridization between jaguars and leopards.
• B. Jaguars are a subspecies of panther.
• C. Panther is a common name that can refer to jaguars with a black coat coloration.
• D. Jaguars and panthers are two completely unrelated species.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'panther': In biology, 'panther' is not a specific species but a common name often used to describe big cats with black coat coloration. This term can refer to melanistic (black) individuals of certain species, such as jaguars or leopards.
2. Clarify the concept of melanism: Melanism is a genetic trait that results in increased black pigmentation. In jaguars (Panthera onca), melanism is caused by a dominant allele, meaning it can appear in their population.
3. Relate jaguars to panthers: Jaguars are a species (Panthera onca) found in the Americas. When jaguars exhibit melanism, they are commonly referred to as 'black panthers.' This does not indicate a separate species but rather a variation in coat coloration.
4. Address the incorrect options: Panthers are not the result of hybridization between jaguars and leopards, nor are jaguars a subspecies of panther. Additionally, jaguars and panthers are not unrelated species because 'panther' can refer to melanistic jaguars.
5. Conclude the relationship: The correct description is that 'panther' is a common name that can refer to jaguars with a black coat coloration, emphasizing that the term 'panther' is a descriptive label rather than a taxonomic classification.