How did the leopard get its spots? There are many theories, some of which are rather far-fetched, but it is known that all leopards have spots, and no two leopards have the same pattern. Some leopards, also known as black panthers, appear entirely black, although their spots are faintly visible upon closer inspection. Panthers are not a separate subspecies of leopards; they just have a different color coat, and, like house cats, can appear in the same litter with lighter-colored siblings. Females generally have litters of two to four cubs that stay with her for 13 to 18 months. After separation from their mother, the cubs must learn to use the skills she has taught them to survive on their own or face starvation.


leopard：豹，美洲豹，雌性的、母豹为 leopardess。例：Can the leopard change
　　　　　 his spots？［谚语］花豹能改变它身上的斑点吗？（意指本性难移）。
far-fetched：不自然的；牵强的。例如：a far-fetched compaison(illustration)
　　　　　　　 一牵强的比较（例证）。本文中说的是有很多关于豹子怎样得到它身上
　 　　　　　　的斑点的理论，有些这方面的理论是很牵强的或者说不科学吧。
panthers：豹，黑豹。母（黑）豹为pantheress。the Black Panther Party
　　　　　　 黑豹党（美国一黑人组织）。
litter： （狗、猫等多产动物）一胎、一窝生下的小动物。 a litter of little pigs，
　　　　　一窝小猪。文中说的是家猫可以在同一窝中有毛色不同的兄弟姐妹。
sibling： ［常用复数］兄弟姐妹，同胞；动植物的同科同属。