Post by dinosauria101 on Sept 15, 2019 18:24:00 GMT 5
Smilodon gracilis (pride of 2)
Smilodon gracilis ("the slender Smilodon") was the smallest and earliest species of the genus Smilodon. It first appeared in the United States about 2.5 million years ago, probably a descendant of Megantereon, and lived until about 500,000 years ago. It lived mainly in the eastern regions of the Americas. Smilodon Gracilis ranged in weight from 120 to 220 lb (55 to 100 kg) and ranged in height from 39 to 47 inches (1 to 1.2 m). Their teeth are about 7 in. Smilodon gracilis was comparable in size to extant jaguars.
Smilodon fatalis
Smilodon fatalis ("the deadly knife-tooth") is possibly the best-known of the machairodontine saber-toothed cats. It appeared in North America about 1.6 million years ago and later migrated down the west coast of the continent to Peru. It became extinct around 10,000 years ago. This species is estimated to have ranged from 160 to 280 kg (350 to 620 lb). Particularly large specimens could weigh 350 kg. Their teeth are about 7 in. Although the saber-toothed cat has no close living relatives, paleontologists reconstruct how the saber-toothed cat looked by comparing its bones with those of large cats living today. Very powerful front legs and a short tail indicate that saber-toothed cats used stealth and ambush rather than speed to capture their prey. Recent investigations suggest that this saber-toothed cat probably used its long canines to slash through the throat, severing the wind pipe and cutting the jugular. Its teeth were surprisingly delicate and could easily snap off if a prey animal struggled. Its mouth could open up to 120 degrees, whereas its closest living relative, Panthera leo, or lion, can only open its jaws to 65 degrees.
Credit to Wikipedia
Smilodon gracilis ("the slender Smilodon") was the smallest and earliest species of the genus Smilodon. It first appeared in the United States about 2.5 million years ago, probably a descendant of Megantereon, and lived until about 500,000 years ago. It lived mainly in the eastern regions of the Americas. Smilodon Gracilis ranged in weight from 120 to 220 lb (55 to 100 kg) and ranged in height from 39 to 47 inches (1 to 1.2 m). Their teeth are about 7 in. Smilodon gracilis was comparable in size to extant jaguars.
Smilodon fatalis
Smilodon fatalis ("the deadly knife-tooth") is possibly the best-known of the machairodontine saber-toothed cats. It appeared in North America about 1.6 million years ago and later migrated down the west coast of the continent to Peru. It became extinct around 10,000 years ago. This species is estimated to have ranged from 160 to 280 kg (350 to 620 lb). Particularly large specimens could weigh 350 kg. Their teeth are about 7 in. Although the saber-toothed cat has no close living relatives, paleontologists reconstruct how the saber-toothed cat looked by comparing its bones with those of large cats living today. Very powerful front legs and a short tail indicate that saber-toothed cats used stealth and ambush rather than speed to capture their prey. Recent investigations suggest that this saber-toothed cat probably used its long canines to slash through the throat, severing the wind pipe and cutting the jugular. Its teeth were surprisingly delicate and could easily snap off if a prey animal struggled. Its mouth could open up to 120 degrees, whereas its closest living relative, Panthera leo, or lion, can only open its jaws to 65 degrees.
Credit to Wikipedia