TITLE:
Pneumothorax as a predatory goal for the sabertooth cat (Smilodon fatalis)
AUTHORS:
Ted Wilson, Dirk E. Wilson, Jill M. Zimanske
KEYWORDS:
Smilodon fatalis; Sabertooth Cat; Machairodontidae; Pneumothorax
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
Vol.3 No.1,
January
29,
2013
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.