Are lynx canadensis and felis lynx the same?

Answer 1

Yes and No.

First, let's clear out the genus name. Some taxonomist gives lynxes(canadian, eurasian, iberian) and bobcat their own genus, Lynx, while others group them together with Felis (cats).

So Lynx canadensis is also Felis canadensis and Lynx lynx is also Felis lynx.

Now, the species;

Lynx canadensis is "canadian lynx" in common name. They live in Canada and nothern United States and prey on snowshoe rabbits.

Lynx lynx is so called "eurasian lynx" which lives in Siberia mostly. They hunt much larger animals, such as boar or deer.

In appearance, both lynxes are similar in thick fur, big foot, and tuft of hair at the tip of the ear. However, there is one big difference. Eurasian lynx weighs about three times as heavy as their Canadian cousin. Canadians about 20 pounds, Eurasians 40 to 70 pounds. In their diet and strength, they belong to entirely different league. Basically a Canadian lynx is a big cat, while a Eurasian lynx is a small leopard.

However, they may still be subspecies of same species, with changes in diet and habitat result in all those bodily changes. A DNA comparison would clear this matter up. If someone knows one genetic research concerning those wonderful animals, please improve my answer.