How Bear Dogs and Saber-Toothed Tigers Coexisted
Illustration depicting how the region of Cerro de los Batallones in central Spain likely looked 9 million years ago. Researchers led by the University of Michigan have used carbon records in the teeth of fossilized predators to shed light on how saber-toothed cats and bear dogs shared space and prey during the late Miocene period. (Mauricio Antón)
Paleontologists are using extinct predators’ fossilized fangs to understand how they shared their habitat during the late Miocene Period.
A Spanish-U.S. research team compared the tooth enamel of three species that inhabited a wooded area with grassland patches: two cats—the leopard-sized Promegantereon ogygia and lion-sized Machairodus aphanistus—and the bear dog, which had a bear-like body but teeth like a dog.
“These three animals were sympatric—they inhabited the same geographic area at the same time,” said study first author Soledad Domingo at the University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology in a press release.
“What they did to coexist was to avoid each other and partition the resources.”
The researchers compared the ratio of carbon-12 and -13 isotopes in the fangs, which originate from plants eaten by herbivores and passed through the food chain to carnivores.
“This would be the same in your tooth enamel today,” Domingo explained. “If we sampled them, we could have an idea of what you eat. It’s a signature that remains through time.”
Both cats ate horses and wild boar, but the smaller ones may have used tree cover to avoid the larger ones, while the bear dog hunted antelope in a more open area.
“The three largest mammalian predators captured prey in different portions of the habitat, as do coexisting large predators today,” said study co-author Catherine Badgley in the release.
Related Articles
“So even though none of the species in this 9-million-year-old ecosystem are still alive today (some of their descendants are), we found evidence for similar ecological interactions as in modern ecosystems.”
The study was published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B on Nov. 7.
The Epoch Times publishes in 35 countries and in 19 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.
Republished with permission from The Epoch Times.
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
