Evolution of Tas1r2 Gene in Felines
The Loss of Sweet Taste Perception
30-20 MYA
Divergence of Felidae family in late Oligocene to early Miocene
~20 MYA
Mutation of Tas1r2:
247-bp deletion in exon 3 causing frame shift
Present day
All modern felines (domestic cats, tigers, cheetahs) have non-functional Tas1r2
Pseudogenized Tas1r2 gene - Sweet receptor non-functional