Changes

==Description==

==Description==

From the remains of individuals recovered in the Americas, the saber-tooth cat was stocky in build which gave the animal a bear-like appearance rather than the lean, sinuous look found in present-day cats.  The forelimbs were larger and more heavily-muscled than the hindlimbs, with a slight slope front to back, and the tail was short.  In weight the sabre-tooth cat was estimated between 500-750 pounds, about the size of a modern lion or tiger.  It is speculated that the over-all structure of the sabre-tooth indicated an animal which stalked and hunted its prey from ambush; skeletal remains found in [[Rancho La Brea]] which show healing from injuries have also indicated that it may have been a social animal as well.

From remains of individuals recovered in the Americas, the saber-tooth cat was stocky, giving it a bear-like appearance rather than the lean, sinuous look found in present-day cats.  Its forelimbs were larger and more heavily muscled than its hindlimbs, with a slight front-to-back slope, and its tail was short.  The saber-tooth cat weighed an estimated 500-750 pounds, about the size of a modern lion or tiger.  Some scientists speculate that the saber-tooth's overall structure suggests an animal that stalked and hunted prey by ambush; skeletal remains found in [[Rancho La Brea]] that show healing from injuries also suggest it may have been social.

The most unique feature, and one which made the sabre-tooth one of the better-known prehistoric animals of any kind, was the 8-inch canines which jutted from the upper jaw.  These canines had serrated edges as well, allowing them to cut through skin and flesh with ease, while the lower jaw was able to swing open to 120 degrees to allow their full use as stabbing weapons; however, the bite itself was judged via computer modeling to have been relatively weak.  This had led scientists to determine that the most likely use for them was to stab and cut through the vital neck arteries and windpipe or the lower abdomen in a single maneuver; certainly the large muscular forequarters would have aided in the control and subduing of its prey just prior to their use, where they died quickly through rapid blood loss or shock.  Its prey at the time would have been the large megafauna (mammoths, ground sloths, bison, etc.) which co-existed with it.

Its most distinctive feature, and what made the saber-tooth one of the better-known prehistoric animals, was its 8-inch canines, which jutted from the upper jaw.  These canines also had serrated edges, allowing them to cut through skin and flesh with ease, while the lower jaw could swing open to 120 degrees to use them as stabbing weapons; however, computer modeling suggests the bite itself was relatively weak.  This had led scientists to determine that the most likely use for them was to stab and cut through the vital neck arteries and windpipe or the lower abdomen in a single maneuver; certainly the large muscular forequarters would have aided in the control and subduing of its prey just prior to their use, where they died quickly through rapid blood loss or shock.  Its prey at the time would have been the large megafauna (mammoths, ground sloths, bison, etc.) which co-existed with it.

 

Saber-toothed cats used to be called "sabertooth tigers." Since then, scientists have confirmed that saber-toothed cats are not true relatives of tigers.

==Origins==

==Origins==