Definitions for smilodon
smilodon

WiktionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. smilodonnoun

   Any member of the extinct genus Smilodon, the saber-toothed tigers.

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Smilodon

   Smilodon is a genus of the extinct machairodont subfamily of the felids. It is one of the most famous prehistoric mammals and the best known saber-toothed cat. Although commonly known as the saber-toothed tiger, it was not closely related to the tiger or other modern cats. Smilodon lived in the Americas during the Pleistocene epoch (2.5 mya – 10,000 years ago). The genus was named in 1842 based on fossils from Brazil; the generic name means "scalpel" or "two-edged knife" combined with "tooth". Three species are recognized today: S. gracilis, S. fatalis, and S. populator. The two latter species were probably descended from S. gracilis, which itself probably evolved from Megantereon. The hundreds of individuals obtained from the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles constitute the largest collection of Smilodon fossils. Overall, Smilodon was more robustly built than any extant cat, with particularly well-developed forelimbs and exceptionally long upper canine teeth. Its jaw had a bigger gape than that of modern cats, and its upper canines were slender and fragile, being adapted for precision killing. S. gracilis was the smallest species at 55 to 100 kg (120 to 220 lb) in weight. S. fatalis had a weight of 160 to 280 kg (350 to 620 lb) and height of 100 cm (39 in). Both of these species are mainly known from North America, but remains from South America have also been attributed to them. S. populator from South America was the largest species, at 220 to 436 kg (485 to 961 lb) in weight and 120 cm (47 in) in height, and was among the largest known felids. The coat pattern of Smilodon is unknown, but it has been artistically restored with plain or spotted patterns. In North America, Smilodon hunted large herbivores such as bison and camels, and it remained successful even when encountering new prey species in South America. Smilodon is thought to have killed its prey by holding it still with its forelimbs and biting it, but it is unclear in what manner the bite itself was delivered. Scientists debate whether Smilodon had a social or a solitary lifestyle; analysis of modern predator behavior as well as of Smilodon's fossil remains could be construed to lend support to either view. Smilodon probably lived in closed habitats such as forests and bush, which would have provided cover for ambushing prey. Smilodon died out at the same time that most North and South American megafauna disappeared, about 10,000 years ago. Its reliance on large animals has been proposed as the cause of its extinction, along with climate change and competition with other species, but the exact cause is unknown.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Smilodonnoun

   an extinct genus of saber-toothed tigers. See Mach/rodus

2. Etymology: [Gr. a carving knife + , , tooth.]

WikidataRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Smilodon

   Smilodon, is an extinct genus of machairodont felid. It is perhaps the best known saber-toothed cat and lived in North and South America during the Pleistocene epoch. Several fossils have been found with one of the largest collections taken from the La Brea Tar Pits. Three species of the genus are known and they vary in size and build. Overall, Smilodon was more robustly built than any modern cat, with particularly well-developed forelimbs and exceptionally long upper canines. Its jaw had a bigger gape than modern cats and its upper canines were slender and fragile, being adapted for precision killing. These attributes made Smilodon a specialized hunter of large herbivores like bison and camels. Smilodon likely lived in closed habitats like forests and bush which would have provided cover for ambushing prey. Its reliance on large animals may have been the cause of its extinction. Scientists debate over whether Smilodon was a social animal. Comparison of predator responses to distress calls and the prevalence of healed injuries suggest it was social, while its small brain size and vegetated habitat suggest it was more solitary. Some fossils show signs of ankylosing spondylitis, trauma and arthritis. Smilodon went extinct 10,000 years ago.

How to pronounce smilodon?

1. Alex

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How to say smilodon in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of smilodon in Chaldean Numerology is: 7

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of smilodon in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

References

1. ^ Wiktionary
   https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Smilodon
2. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smilodon
3. ^ Webster Dictionary
   https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smilodon
4. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=smilodon