nauka: Smilodon

Evidence: 100 • authority: 72

Smilodon is a genus of extinct felids. It is one of the best-known saber-toothed predators and prehistoric mammals. Although commonly known as the saber-toothed tiger, it was not closely related to the tiger or other modern cats, belonging to the extinct subfamily Machairodontinae, with an estimated date of divergence from the ancestor of living cats around 20 million years ago. Smilodon was one of the last surviving machairodonts alongside Homotherium. Smilodon lived in the Americas during the Pleistocene to early Holocene epoch (2.5 mya – at latest 8,200 years ago). The genus was named in 1842 based on fossils from Brazil; the generic name means 'scalpel' or 'two-edged knife' combined wit…

Evidence: — • authority: 92

On the origins of the sabre-toothed felid model: functional anatomy of the hindlimb in Promegantereon ogygia (Felidae, Machairodontinae, Smilodontini) from the Late Miocene of Batallones-1 (Madrid, Spain).. The Spanish Late Miocene locality of Batallones-1 (Madrid, Spain) has yielded a very rich sample of large carnivorans, including hyaenids, mustelids, amphicyonids, ailurids, felines, and two species of sabre-toothed felids that represent the first radiation event of the subfamily Machairodontinae: Machairodus aphanistus and Promegantereon ogygia. The former was the size of a tiger and the top predator of the Batallones-1 community, whereas the latter was a much smaller animal, its body w…

Evidence: — • authority: 72

Barbourofelis is an extinct genus of large feliform, from the subfamily Barbourofelinae, which is part of the family of false-sabertooth cats known as Nimravidae. Barbourofelis, along with Albanosmilus, were the last known nimravids. Barbourofelis lived in North America and Eurasia during the Miocene epoch from 12 to 7 Ma. Five species are currently recognized within the genus: B. fricki, B. loveorum, B. morrisi, B. oregonensis, and B. piveteaui. B. morrisi likely evolved from Albanosmilus migrating into North America. With B. piveteaui evolving from reverse migration from North America into Eurasia. B. loveorum possibly evolved from B. morrisi, and may have evolved into B. fricki. B. morri…

Evidence: — • authority: 88

5 Smallest Turtle Species in the World (Pictures & Facts). Ever wondered about the tiniest turtles that roam our planet? Imagine discovering creatures so small yet brimming with intriguing tales. These diminutive beings hold secrets that will captivate your imagination and shed light on the incredible diversity of nature. Prepare to be amazed by the beauty and intricacies of these miniature reptiles as we disclose the mysteries of their existence.

Evidence: — • authority: 88

Growth Rate and Duration of Growth in the Adult Canine of Smilodon gracilis and Inferences on Diet Through Stable Isotope Analysi. Trophic structure and interconnectedness have important implications for diversity and stability in ecosystems. While it is generally difficult to determine trophic structure and the specific prey of predators in ancient ecosystems, analysis of stable isotope ratios in tooth enamel can be used to exclude taxa from a predator’s diet. This study analyzes δ13Cv-pdb and δ18Ov-pdb values in a canine of Smilodon gracilis to understand tooth growth and the preferred prey of this species. Oxygen isotope results show a 5 mm/month growth rate and a duration of growth esti…

Evidence: — • authority: 92

Dietary ecology of Smilodon across time and space: Additional perspectives from Smilodon gracilis and Smilodon fatalis in Florida.. Smilodon, the iconic saber-toothed cat, was a Pleistocene apex predator comprised of three morphologically distinct species: Smilodon fatalis, Smilodon gracilis, and Smilodon populator. While at Rancho La Brea (RLB) the paleobiology of S. fatalis is analogous to African lions in terms of carcass utilization, far less is known about S. fatalis outside of southern California. Further, Smilodon gracilis specimens are rare and less studied throughout most of its former range. This study expands our understanding of Smilodon's dietary ecology in North America by usi…