Research conducted by the University of Liège sheds new light on the mechanisms behind the bites of saber-toothed carnivores. Narimane Chatar, a Ph.D. student at the EDDyLab of the University of Liège (Belgium) led a team of researchers to examine the biting capabilities of Smilodon, an extinct spe
Research conducted by the University of Liège sheds new light on the mechanisms behind the bites of saber-toothed carnivores. led a team of researchers to examine the biting capabilities of Smilodon, an extinct species of carnivore that is related to modern-day felines. By utilizing advanced 3D scanning and simulation techniques, the team discovered howThroughout their evolution, ancient carnivorous mammals developed a diverse array of skull and tooth shapes.
The enormous canines of the extinct saber-toothed cat Smilodon imply that this animal had to open its jaw extremely wide, 110° according to some authors, in order to use them effectively,” explains Prof. Valentin Fischer, director of the EDDyLab at ULiège. However, the mechanical feasibility and efficiency of Smilodon and its relatives to bite at such a large angle is unknown, leaving a gap in our understanding of this very fundamental question about saber-toothed predators.
The cooler colors on the heat maps of the saber-toothed species indicate lower stress and higher force, especially when biting at higher angles. Credit: Massimo Molinero One of the results obtained by the team is the understanding of the distribution of stress on the mandible during biting. This stress shows a continuum across the animals analyzed, with the highest values measured in species with the shortest upper canines and the lowest stress values measured in the most extreme saber-toothed species. The researchers also noted that stress decreased with increasing bite angle but only in saber-toothed species.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
See the Key Findings From the Gartner 2023 Board of Directors SurveyWhen executive leaders align their activities and investments with the board's strategic direction, enterprises can create a cohesive strategy that will help the company succeed 📈 Take a look at the key findings from the Gartner 2023 Board of Directors Survey to get everyone on the same page and drive growth this year, even while facing economic uncertainty. BusinessTransformation Leadership
Lire la suite »
'Staggering number' of titanosaur nests discovered in India reveals controversial findings about dino momsThe discovery of a tightly packed nesting ground from the Cretaceous period in India suggests that titanosaurs laid eggs and left their offspring behind.
Lire la suite »
How Relationship Equity Impacts Female Sexual DesireWhy women in more equal relationships tend to have greater sexual desire for their partner, writes Nicole_SexProf
Lire la suite »
Reducing overall calories may promote weight loss more effectively than intermittent fasting, AHA study findsCalorie restriction may be more effective at promoting weight loss than intermittent fasting, based on findings from a multisite study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Lire la suite »
As 'skyglow' grows, study documents glaring global light pollutionLight pollution caused by the incessant nighttime glow of electric lights appears to be intensifying, according to research using observations from tens of thousands of people at various locations around the world.
Lire la suite »
COVID Dramatically Increases Death Risk During Pregnancy: StudyWomen infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy are seven times more likely to die during childbirth or during the pregnancy than uninfected pregnant women, a new study shows.
Lire la suite »