Saber-Toothed Tiger

(Smilodon fatalis)
 CHARACTERISTICS

 The saber-toothed cat, also known as Smilodon, was a large predatory cat from the
Pleistocene Epoch that is now extinct. This species was about 39-47 inches high at
the shoulder (smaller than an African lion). Smilodon had extremely long, curved
upper canines with sharp serrations on both sides. These canines were 8-10 inches
long and protruded outside of the mouth when jaws were closed. This species had a
short/bobbed tail, compact limbs and weighed between 400-800 lbs. There are
three known species of Smilodon; S. populate (the largest, similar to an African
lion), S. gracilis (the smallest of the three), and S. fatalis(intermediate in size).
 All cat species provide maternal care for young and it is presumed to also be true for
the saber-toothed cat.
 " Tigers hunt alone, waiting until twilight and using vegetation or patches
of light and shadow to hide themselves. A tiger will stalk its prey until it's close
enough to strike in a couple of quick leaps. The kill comes when the tiger bites
through the back of its victim's neck and severs the spinal cord. Tigers can also
strangle their prey with a long-lasting bite to the throat.
 TIMELINE

 Along with most of the Pleistocene

megafauna, Smilodon became extinct 10,000 years ago in
the Quaternary extinction event. Its extinction has been
linked to the decline and extinction of large herbivores,
which were replaced by smaller and more agile ones like
deer. Hence, Smilodon could have been too specialized at
hunting large prey and may have been unable to adapt.
 Reason Of Extinction

 A Change in The Weather

- Glaciers began receding across continents around the time of the
Quaternary extinction event. Seasons changed, and precipitation changes
could have altered the condition of local ecosystems
Hunters Become The Hunted
- The extinction of the saber-tooth tiger also happens to align with
the period when humans started to make huge strides in hunting
technology. This was around the time of the Clovis tribes, a group
of early humans known for their simple projectile weapons.
Humans would not have hunted the saber-tooth tiger for food,
but may have killed them for protection or sport. Some
researchers refute this hypothesis, asserting that humans did not
have the means or the desire to drive other animals to extinction
at the time.
Presented by:
Mark Ryan D. Añosa 9-Mendeleev

 https://www.google.com/search?q=scientific+name+of+saber+tooth+tiger&o
q=scientific+name+of+saber&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l3.10983j1j7&sourceid=c
hrome&ie=UTF-8
 https://www.google.com/search?q=saber+toothed+cat&source=lnms&
tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjxhNXspsjjAhWt3mEKHbEICNgQ_A
UIESgB&biw=1366&bih=667#imgrc=i8_eFlNQ5QbijM:
 https://miamioh.edu/cas/academics/centers/hefner-
museum/educational-resources/natural-histories/saber-
cat/index.html