Smilodon fatalis was a carnivorous felid, or cat-like, mammal whose fossil record dates back to about 2 million years ago during the Miocene and Pliocene epochs during the Cenozoic era. Despite their name, they are not closely related to modern big cats. They were approximately double the weight of a modern lion but only about a foot taller. It is inferred that their notably large canines were likely utilized to deliver a crippling wound to their large prey. Their build is short and muscular, with a bobtail. This indicates that they were likely ambush predators, as long tails benefit agility in long-distance hunts. These cats had a similar social structure to lions, possibly allowing for feeding by injured members of the group, thus leading to the survival or healing of their wounds.
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