Megantereon sp.
Order Carnivora, Family Felidae
Miocene (20 million years before present)
Gansu Province, China
Carnivore
The saber-toothed cat was roughly the size of a modern African lion. It had a strong build and could open its mouth 120 degrees to pierce its prey with its pair of long sharp teeth. It had strong muscles between its shoulders and neck, which not only provided support for its large heavy head, but also generated a strong downward jabbing force. Viewed on cross section, the saber-toothed cat’s long sharp teeth are curved to increase bite strength and reduce resistance when biting into flesh. Along the posterior edge of these teeth are steak knife-like serrations, making it easier for this predator to cut through the skin and flesh of its prey.
