Pneumothorax as a predatory goal for the sabertooth cat (Smilodon fatalis)

Ted Wilson, Dirk E. Wilson, Jill M. Zimanske

Department of Biology, Winona State University, Winona, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2013.31006                

Abstract

Smilodon fatalis was a large extinct felid distinguished by their two impressive maxillary canines and surprisingly low canine fracture rates. Previous theories regarding their attack strategy have suggested delivering damage by a bite with their maxillary canines. It has also been previously suggested that the canines could have been used to deliver a non-biting stab with an open jaw. It has been generally hypothesized that the attack was delivered to the neck of their large herbivore prey. Smilodon fatalis could have used their canines in a non-biting stab delivered with a closed jaw for the sole purpose of creating a pneumothorax. Creation of a pneumothorax would maximize immediate attack lethality, and minimize exposure of its canines to fracture.

Keywords

Smilodon fatalis; Sabertooth Cat; Machairodontidae; Pneumothorax

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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