My questions is what member of the cat family is the best predator? I have tried to find the answer but each site I have looked at just says that they are predators (lion, tiger, cougar etc). They don't say which is the best. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Best in what way? Their success in finding prey depends upon the environment that are in. Cougars/panthers are most widespread.

Scientists try to be objective and not rank things as "good" and "bad" by human standards that are arbitrary and numerous.

the question we have been given is 'is the lion the best predator in the cart family'?

oops should read cat not cart!

IT is a bad question. As DrWLS stated, best is in the eye of the the beholder. Frankly, I would vote for the lynx.

I agree. It's a bad question for science. It would be a terrific question for an English class, though, to see if you could formulate a thesis statement and then write a paper convincing others that whichever type of cat you chose is the best.

What does "best" mean? Fastest? Most successful hunter? Produces and successfully raises the largest number of cubs per litter? What?

I guess they mean which is the best hunter?

How do you define "best hunter?" Kills the quickest? Gets the most food? Kills the biggest animals?

As the question says is the lion the best predator in the cat family, I am thinking that they mean which 'cat' is best at catching prey.

To determine which member of the cat family is the best predator, you could consider various factors such as hunting success rate, hunting techniques, adaptability, and physical attributes. However, since there isn't a definitive answer to this subjective question, the best approach is to evaluate each cat species individually based on their unique characteristics and behaviors.

To gather more information about which cat might be considered the best predator, you can follow these steps:

1. Start by researching each individual species of the cat family, which includes lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and cougars (also known as mountain lions or pumas).

2. Look for specific information related to their hunting abilities, anatomy, and adaptation to their environments. Pay attention to details such as speed, strength, agility, and hunting success rates.

3. Consider reading scientific articles, wildlife journals, or books that discuss the characteristics and behaviors of these cat species. These sources often provide more detailed information and comparisons.

4. Additionally, you can watch documentaries or educational videos that focus on the hunting behaviors of these cats. Visual media can provide insights into their hunting techniques, stalking strategies, and overall effectiveness.

5. Keep in mind that each cat species has evolved in different habitats and developed distinct hunting strategies. For example, cheetahs are known for their incredible speed, while lions rely on cooperative hunting techniques.

By gathering information from reliable sources and exploring the unique traits of each species within the cat family, you should be able to form a well-informed opinion about which member could be considered the best predator. Remember that individual preferences may vary, as different cats excel in different areas of predation depending on their ecological niche.