American Cheetah Not A Cheetah
The American cheetah was not a cheetah, but a puma relative that preyed on fish
Introduction To The American Cheetah
The American 'cheetah', also known as Miracinonyx trumani, has long been thought to be a North American analog of the African big cat. However, a new study published in the journal Current Biology reveals that this extinct cat was more closely related to pumas. With their slender bodies and long front legs, it was easy to assume that the American cheetah was a fast-running predator, similar to its African counterpart. But, as researchers have now discovered, this was not the case.
Background And Research Methodology
The American cheetah roamed North America's open grasslands during the Pleistocene epoch, about 2.5 million to 16,000 years ago. Based on fossils uncovered to date, M. trumani had a slender body shape, long forelimbs, and large nasal cavities—features that are characteristic of modern fast-running animals such as cheetahs or horses. To delve deeper into the American cheetah's evolutionary history and behavior, researchers sequenced the most complete M. trumani ancient DNA data set to date from four specimens, one from Wyoming and three from Canada's Yukon Territory. 
Diet And Evolutionary History
The researchers then compared M. trumani's DNA with that of nine other cat species, ranging from lions to house cats. They found that M. trumani shared a common ancestor with modern cheetahs about 4.7 million years ago. The species was most closely related to modern pumas, having diverged from a common ancestor about 2.6 million years ago. Curious about what M. trumani ate in the absence of pronghorns, which aren't found as far north as Canada's Yukon Territory, the team analyzed the nitrogen and carbon in the Yukon fossils to determine their diet and where they sat in the food chain. The team found that despite being discovered in different locations and having lived hundreds of years apart, the Yukon M. trumani individuals all showed signals indicating that they preyed almost exclusively on fish. 
Real-World Implications And Future Outlook
The discovery that the American cheetah was not a cheetah after all has significant implications for our understanding of the evolutionary history and behavior of this extinct species. It also highlights the importance of using multiple lines of evidence, including DNA analysis and stable isotope analysis, to reconstruct the diets and ecological niches of ancient animals. As researchers continue to study the American cheetah and its place in the natural world, they may uncover even more surprising insights into the complex and fascinating history of this enigmatic species. 
Conclusion And Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the American cheetah was not a cheetah after all, but rather a unique and fascinating species that was more closely related to pumas. Its diet and evolutionary history are a testament to the complexity and diversity of life on Earth, and remind us that there is still much to be learned about the natural world. As we continue to explore and discover new things about the American cheetah and its place in the world, we may uncover even more surprising insights into the history of this enigmatic species. 
Sources
This is an original synthesis by Qivorane based on reporting from the outlets below.