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Description

This illustration depicts the likely scenario that lead to a real fossil.

Species: Machairodont cat Smilodon populator.

Fossil: Two skulls found in different locations each with a large hole in the frontal bones.

Age: Lujan Formation, Late Pleistocene.

Location: Argentina.

Stats: 220-436 kgs, 120 cm in height. Adult's upper canines can reach 28 cms in length.

Extra info: Size and shape of the opening is consistent with the damage caused by the upper canines of Smilodon, caused during agonistic interactions. One specimen shows healing, indicating that the cat survived for a long period after the attack. These examples were proof that the canines were effectively used in fighting and could penetrate bones. Similar wounds found in Smilodon fatalis from North America and also damage inflicted on armoured skulls of glyptodonts.

Reference: www.sciencedirect.com/science/…

See also: The Last Sabretooths - Machairodont Felids

Thanks to Davidy12 for suggesting this one!

Description

This illustration depicts the likely scenario that lead to a real fossil.

Species: Machairodont cat Smilodon populator.

Fossil: Two skulls found in different locations each with a large hole in the frontal bones.

Age: Lujan Formation, Late Pleistocene.

Location: Argentina.

Stats: 220-436 kgs, 120 cm in height. Adult's upper canines can reach 28 cms in length.

Extra info: Size and shape of the opening is consistent with the damage caused by the upper canines of Smilodon, caused during agonistic interactions. One specimen shows healing, indicating that the cat survived for a long period after the attack. These examples were proof that the canines were effectively used in fighting and could penetrate bones. Similar wounds found in Smilodon fatalis from North America and also damage inflicted on armoured skulls of glyptodonts.

Reference: www.sciencedirect.com/science/…

See also: The Last Sabretooths - Machairodont Felids

Thanks to Davidy12 for suggesting this one!