Produced by the Population Genetics and Evolution class, Furman University

The Neogene: Smilodon
Smilodon, more commonly known as the saber toothed tiger, is one of the most common fossilized mammals found in Le Brea tar pits and is an extinct member of the family Felidae (Smith 1996). Smilodon, although called the saber toothed tiger, is not closely related to today’s tigers (Smith 1996). These saber toothed cats were about the size of a lion, but weighted twice as much, had a bobbed tail, and most noticeably had elongated canines (Smith 1996). These cats were predators for a wide range of game including buffalo, deer, and juvenile mastodons and mammoths (Wikipedia 2010). Smilodon most likely took down prey by ambushing and then using their extended canines to deliver a stabbing bite to the jugular vein or windpipe, instead of chasing down prey and using their mouths to crush the airway (Wikipedia 2010). Smilodon’s jaws could open up to 120 degrees and their serrated canines measure seven inches long, on average (Wikipedia 2010). Smilodon was most likely a social animal and lived in groups much like present day lion prides (Wikipedia 2010). This hypothesis is supported by fossils of individuals that sustained bone injuries earlier in life that had healed (Smith 1996). Lone hunters would not be able to hunt and survive with debilitating injuries; therefore the injured were most likely allowed to feed by other pride members (Smith 1996). While Smilodon was one of the top predators, as the climate changed, so did its prey (Paleocraft 2009). The larger prey that Smilodon hunted became less abundant, and with its large teeth, it was much more difficult to hunt current smaller and faster prey (Paleocraft 2009). Eventually food sources become scarcer and Smilodon died off around 10,000 B.C.

Page by Chapin Hardy
Smilodon. Photo Credit: Digilander

Paleocraft. 2009. Smilodon. Accessed April 14, 2010.

Smith D. 1996. What is a Sabertooth? University of California Museum of Paleontology (UCMP) Accessed April 13, 2010.

Wikipedia. 2010. Smilodon. Accessed April 13, 2010.