Sabre-toothed predators -- best know from the infamous Smilodon -- evolved multiple times across different mammal groups. A new study reveals why: these teeth were 'functionally optimal' and highly effective at puncturing prey.

Science Daily

United States

The extreme teeth of sabre-toothed predators were 'optimal' for biting into prey

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Daniel Hogan

Researchers have uncovered why the formidable teeth of saber-toothed predators like Smilodon were evolutionarily advantageous, using innovative techniques like 3D-printed tooth replicas and computer simulations. Their study not only highlights the diversity in tooth shapes and hunting strategies but also discusses the species’ susceptibility to extinction and its implications for evolutionary biology. Evolutionary Advantage of [...]

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Sci Tech Daily

Killer Smiles: Why Saber-Toothed Teeth Were Evolution’s Masterpiece

Fossil reconstruction of Smilodon, one of the largest sabre-toothed cats ever to have lived.  Mardoz/ShutterstockSabre teeth – the long, sharp, blade-like canines found in extinct predators such as Smilodon – represent one of the most extreme dental adaptations in nature. They evolved at least five times throughout mammalian history and are a classic example of convergence, which is when similar structures evolve independently in unrelated anima…

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The Conversation

New research reveals why sabre-toothed predators evolved their deadly teeth

Saber teeth – the long, sharp, blade-like canines found in extinct predators such as Smilodon – represent one of the most extreme dental adaptations in nature.

Science Alert

Australia

Study Reveals Why Saber Teeth Evolved Repeatedly in Prehistoric Predators

Melbourne, Jan 10 (The Conversation) Sabre teeth – the long, sharp, blade-like canines found in extinct predators such as Smilodon – represent one of the most extreme dental adaptations in nature. They evolved at least five times throughout mammalian history and are a classic example of convergence, which is when similar structures evolve independently in unrelated animal groups.With no living representatives, scientists have long debated how th…

NewsDrum

Sabre teeth can be ideal for puncturing the flesh of prey, which may explain why they evolved in different groups of mammals at least five times

NewScientist

Alfred Harmsworth (barrister)

Geraldine Mary Harmsworth

Patricia Harmsworth, Viscountess Rothermere

Baltimore

Maryland

Why sabre-toothed animals evolved again and again

Learn how a variety of tooth shapes drove evolution across multiple kinds of mammals.

Discover Magazine

Kalmbach Media

Jupiter

Palm Beach County

Florida

Saber-Toothed Biting Analysis Shows Evolution Across Carnivorous Mammals

Few prehistoric mammals capture the human imagination as much as saber-toothed cats, but they were not the only ones to develop this distinctive set of teeth.

Wenige prähistorische Säugetiere regen die menschliche Fantasie so an wie Säbelzahnkatzen. Dabei waren sie nicht die Einzigen, die dieses charakteristische Gebiss entwickelt haben.

Evolution: Säbelzähne waren perfekt - eigentlich

spektrum.de

Heidelberg

Baden-Württemberg

Germany

Evolution: Sabre teeth were perfect

Chris Simms in New Scientist: Sabre teeth have very specific characteristics: they are exceptionally long, sharp canines that tend to be slightly flattened and curved, rather than rounded. Such teeth have independently evolved in different groups of mammals at least five times, and fossils of sabre-tooth predators have been found in North and South America, Europe and Asia. The teeth are first known to have appeared some 270 million years ago, i…

3 Quarks Daily

Why sabre-toothed animals evolved again and again - 3 Quarks Daily

Researchers have used 3D printing technology to gain new insights into the hunting mechanics of extinct sabre-toothed predators.

The extreme teeth of sabre-toothed predators were 'optimal' for biting into prey

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