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throughout mammalian history and are a classic example of convergence, which is when similar structures evolve independently in unrelated animal groups., provides an answer. We found extreme saber teeth are functionally optimal, meaning their shape provided a real advantage as specialised weapons.
The feature that defines them are their sabers, a distinct type of canine tooth. These teeth are long, sharp, laterally compressed and curved.Many extinct predators around the world evolved saber teeth which are very different to the teeth of modern big cats. – below. This model has been digitised from a cast specimen from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
To investigate this, we conducted a large-scale analysis of more than 200 different carnivore teeth, including both extinct saber-toothed species and modern animals. We also ran engineering simulations to test how much stress different tooth shapes experienced under biting forces. This revealed their likelihood of breaking.
The fact that different saber-toothed species evolved varying balances between puncture efficiency and strength suggests a broader range of hunting strategies than previously thought. This supports a growing body of research on their ecological diversity.These results help explain why extreme saber teeth evolved so many times, likely driven by natural selection for an optimal design. They also provide a possible explanation for their eventual demise.
The saber tooth form represents a striking solution to a fundamental mechanical challenge, balancing efficiency with strength — one that is also reflected in human-made tools.
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