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Saber Toothed Cats

All articles tagged with #saber toothed cats

paleontology2 years ago•2 min saved

Unveiling Ancient Secrets: New Saber-Toothed Cat Species Discovered

Paleontologists have discovered two new species of saber-toothed cats that lived in South Africa over 5 million years ago. The fossils were found in Langebaanweg 'E' Quarry, a significant site for understanding the transition from wet forests to grasslands. The newly-discovered species, Lokotunjailurus chinsamyae and Dinofelis werdelini, along with two known species, Yoshi obscura and Adeilosmilus aff. kabir, provide insights into the diverse environments and adaptations during this period. The cats likely occupied different ecological niches, with some adapted to open grasslands and others to forested areas. The presence of herbivorous fossils suggests a Mediterranean climate. Saber-toothed cats, belonging to the subfamily Machairodontinae, first appeared 12 million years ago and coexisted with humans until their extinction less than 10,000 years ago.

via Inverse|

#evolution #fossils #paleoenvironment

paleontology2 years ago•3 min saved

Newly Discovered Sabertooth Cat Species Unearthed in South Africa

Two new species of saber-toothed cats, Dinofelis werdelini and Lokotunjailurus chimsamyae, have been discovered in South Africa, dating back around 5.2 million years. The findings challenge previous knowledge about these extinct feline creatures and provide insights into the environmental changes of the time. The discovery suggests that saber-toothed cats were more widespread than previously thought, and their habitat included both forests and open grasslands. This shift in ecosystems may have influenced the evolution of human ancestors, who emerged in Africa during this period. However, recent studies indicate that grasslands may have appeared much earlier, questioning the impact on hominin bipedalism.

via Livescience.com|

#environmental-changes #evolution #fossils