Produced by the Population Genetics and Evolution class, Furman University

The Neogene: Nimravids
The family Nimravidae, also known as the false saber-toothed cats, were large mammalian carnivores, belonging to the suborder Feliformia. They lived in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America from the Oligocene to the late Miocene. They resemble felids in the shape of their skull, modifications to the dentition for hypercarnivory, and retractable claws. However, several distinct features in the ear, skull, and dentition set them apart from true cats (Bryant 1991). They had a short-faced skull, heavy-set body, short legs, and long necks (Gillette 2010). But they are most well known for their distinctive saber teeth. These massive curved upper canines, are a classic example of convergent evolution with Smilodon and the marsupial Thylacosmilus. There is debate over how the saber teeth were used when hunting prey; they may have been used to bleed out prey items or they may have used them more precisely after pinning down their prey. The short limbs did not make them very efficient runners, suggesting that they were most likely ambush predators, taking advantage of short bursts of speed (Gillette 2010).

Page by Megan Aprill
Model of a nimravid from: linkandpinhobbies

Bryant HN. 1991. Phylogenetic relationships and systematics of the Nimravidae (Carnivora). J Mammal 72: 56-78.

Gillette L. 2010. Fossil Mysteries. San Diego Natural History Museum. Accessed April 18, 2010.

Wikipedia. 2010. Nimravidae. Accessed April 18, 2010.