How many species are there in the Panthera genus?

Panthera is a genus within the family 'Felidae' that was named and described by Lorenz Oken in 1816 who placed all the spotted cats in this group. Reginald Innes Pocock revised the classification of this genus in 1916 as comprising the species lion (P. leo), tiger (P. tigris), jaguar (P. onca), and leopard (P. pardus) on the basis of common cranial features. Results of genetic analysis indicate that the snow leopard (formerly 'Uncia uncia') also belongs to the Panthera (P. uncia), a classification that was accepted by IUCN Red List assessors in 2008.

The tiger, lion, leopard, and jaguar are the only cat species with the anatomical structure that enables them to roar. The primary reason for this was formerly assumed to be the incomplete ossification of the hyoid bone. However, new studies show the ability to roar is due to other morphological features, especially of the larynx. The snow leopard does not roar. Although its hyoid bone is incompletely ossified, it lacks the special morphology of the larynx/

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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28 Comments

Suzy

It"s 5. Not 4 not 6

Julie Allen

All five extant species are represented as follows: lion (Panthera leo), leopard (P. pardus), jaguar (Panthera onca), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), and tiger (Panthera tigris).

Kat

I chose 4 because it was closest the the correct answer of FIVE. Guess this author forgot about the Snow Leopard.

Pat Askew

4 was the closest answer to the correct one which is 5! See Julie Allen's answer which explains it.

Richard D. Boyle

Apparently the correct answer is 5 although older authorities do not include the snow leopard because of its inability to roar which distinguishes it from all the other four. Nevertheless, this error should not have caused anyone to select any of the wrong options. If the answer isn’t right, go with the option that is the “most right.” In this instance at least, that was easy.

Fred Keogh

There are five(5) species. It was 4, but the Snow Leopard Panthera (p.uncia) is now recognized as one.

Stevie G

The classification of Panthera in 1916 as comprising the species tiger (P. tigris), lion (P. leo), jaguar (P. onca), and leopard (P. pardus) on the basis of common cranial features. Results of genetic analysis indicate that the snow leopard (formerly Uncia uncia) also belongs to the Panthera (P. uncia), a classification that was accepted by IUCN Red List assessors in 2008.

Patricia Viater

Correct answer is 5

filmnut

It’s so frustrating to have to insure your answers.

Al Breyette

Just another Carole Whites question so this is normal.

Al Breyette

Another question where you had to guess the closest wrong answer to the correct answer to get it right.

Lynda Flanger

Your discussion says 5 so how is ,4 correct?

Player

Merri Sillery, the source above for a start

Player

Why give 4 as the answer yet give a source that lists 5? They are - Panthera Pardus, Panthera Leo, Panthera Tigris, Panther Onca, Panthera Uncia. Or leopard, lion, tiger, jaguar and snow leopard.