Smilodon

Smilodon, also known as the Sabre-toothed Cat, was a large feline predator that lived in the Americas during the Pleistocene Epoch. It is famous for its two knife-like teeth protruding from its upper jaw. The two main species of the genus were fatalis and populator.

Fatalis
Smilodon fatalis was the North American variant of the species. It was slightly smaller than a lion, but it weighed more.

There is a popular theory that this animal lived in prides, as several bones are broken, yet show signs of healing. A wounded animal would not have been capable of hunting on its own, and would have required aide from other members of its pride. Many discount this theory, however, for a sabre-tooth would still be able to ward other predators away from their kills. Thus, this theory is impossible to prove or disprove.

Proteins found in fatalis bones suggest a diet of bison, horse, and sometimes young mammoth.

Populator
Smilodon populator was the South American variant. It was substantially larger than its northern bretheren,

S. populator arrival into South America via the Isthmus of Panama coincides with the extinction of the native Terror Birds, suggesting this competent hunter outcompeted the avians.