Evolution of Tas1r2 Gene in Felines
Sweet Taste Receptor Functionality Timeline
Millions of Years Ago (MYA)
Tas1r2 Functionality
40 MYA
25 MYA
20 MYA
10 MYA
Present
Tas1r2 gene mutation
in ancestral Felidae
Felidae family diversification
Modern cats species evolve
Loss of Sweet Taste Perception
Felines lost their functional Tas1r2 gene approximately 25 million years ago, rendering them unable to taste sweet flavors. The gene accumulated several mutations, including a 247-bp microdeletion in exon 3 and premature stop codons, making it a pseudogene across all modern cat species.