Machairodus Machairodus

Machairodus - Definition and Overview

Machairodus
Conservation status: Fossil
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Carnivora
Family:Felidae
Subfamily:Machairodontinae
Genus:Machairodus
Species

Machairodus africanus
Machairodus aphanistus
Machairodus giganteus
Machairodus oradensis
Machairodus colorandensis

Machairodus was a genus of large, sabretoothed cat that lived in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America from approximately 13 million years ago to 2 million years ago. Species of Machairodus expressed great variation in size and proportions, though all possessed serated edges on their large canine teeth and incisors, though this wore down within a few years of the creature's life.
It is the likely ancestor of the genus Megantereon or possibly the genus Smilodon. Machairodus was itself descended from Proailurus, as were all true cats.

Species of Machairodus:
Machairodus africanus
Machairodus aphanistus
Machairodus giganteus
Machairodus oradensis
Machairodus colorandensis

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