IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Barnett, R.; Barnes, I.; Phillips, M.J.; Martin, L.D.; Harington, C.R.; Leonard, J.A.; Cooper, A. | |
| Evolution of the extinct Sabretooths and the American cheetah-like cat | |
| 2005 Current Biology (15): 1-9 | |
The sabretooths (_Smilodon_ and _Homotherium_) and the American cheetah-like cat (_Miracinonyx_) were the top predators in Late Pleistocene America, but became extinct about 13 thousand years ago. As the evolutionary history of these taxa remains poorly understood, we analysed their phylogenetic relationship to extant felids. In contrast to previous molecular studies, our results show that the sabretooths diverge early and are not closely related to any living cats. This supports their morphological placement in a separate subfamily (Machairodontinae). Despite its remarkable morphological similarity to the African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), Miracinonyx appears to have evolved from a puma-like ancestor, presumably in response to similar ecological pressures. |
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