|
|
|
The saber-toothed cat in front of you, Smilodon fatalis, is the most recent example of the many species of saber-toothed cats that existed thirty million years ago. Smilodon disappeared from North America about 10,000 years ago. It preyed on large mammals such as camels, horses, giant bison, and mammoths and probably could not survive after these animals became extinct.
|
| Ten million years of evolution produced variety in the saber-toothed branch of the felid family tree. Some saber-toothed cats, like Smilodon, had long, narrow canine teeth shaped like curved daggers, but others had somewhat shorter, broader canines with serrated edges. Both probably hunted large mammals. Those with short, broad canines may have used more slashing bites, while dagger-like teeth were used for stabbing. |
|
Produced by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. © Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Foundation This page was made possible by a grant from Friskies PetCare Company and the National Science Foundation. All photographic images contained within these Web pages ARE COPYRIGHTED and may not be reproduced or utilized in any manner without the express written consent of the owner. Smilodon sketch © Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Foundation Homotherium skull sketch courtesy Illinois State Museum © Illinois State Museum Smilodon skull sketch courtesy of Mark Hallett, © Mark Hallet Page design by Jim Angus |