Why do Florida panthers rely on leopards and panthers?

This is a bit of a trick question! Florida panthers do not rely on leopards and panthers. They are a distinct subspecies of panther, scientifically classified as *Puma concolor coryi*.

Here's why this might be confusing:

* Similar names: The Florida panther's common name is similar to that of the "panther" and "leopard," which are other members of the *Puma* genus.

* Evolutionary relationship: All these animals (Florida panther, leopard, and panther) are related, sharing a common ancestor. However, they have evolved along separate paths and are distinct species.

* Appearance: Florida panthers, like other panthers, have a dark, spotted coat. This can sometimes lead to confusion with leopards, who are also spotted cats.

So, to reiterate, Florida panthers do not rely on leopards or panthers in any way. They are their own unique species, and their survival depends on factors like habitat preservation, prey availability, and human-wildlife interactions.