Key Information
Homotherium
| Species | Homotherium latidens, Homotherium ischyrus, Homotherium serum, Homotherium venezuelensis |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Height | 2 ft 11 in to 3 ft 7 in |
| Length | 4 ft 11 in to 6 ft 7 in |
| Weight | Up to 440 lb |
| Timescale | Early Pliocene to Late Pleistocene |
| Classification | Mammalia > Carnivora > Felidae > Machairodontinae > Homotherini |
Learning Point
- Homotherium, known as the scimitar-toothed cat, was a formidable apex predator that roamed across North America, Eurasia, and Africa during the Pliocene and Pleistocene. Unlike the famous Smilodon, which had long, fragile “saber” teeth, Homotherium possessed shorter, serrated fangs shaped like curved blades. Built more like a hyena than a modern lion, it had long forelegs and a sloping back, suggesting it was an endurance runner capable of chasing down prey over long distances. These social hunters likely lived in prides, targeting massive herbivores like young mammoths and rhinos in open grasslands.
Project
- Draw a picture of a Homotherium prowling for food.
- Overview
- X-Ray
- Comparison
Location
| Confirmed | North America, Europe, Asia, Africa |
Fun Facts
- These cats were incredibly brave! Evidence suggests they specifically hunted baby mammoths, using their serrated teeth to take down prey much larger than themselves.
- They had very long front legs and shorter back legs, giving them a sloping back. This shape helped them run for long distances without getting tired.
- Scientists studied their fossil skulls and found they had huge visual centers in their brains, meaning they had excellent eyesight for hunting during the day.
- Their paws were shaped a bit like a bear’s, and unlike your pet cat at home, their claws were only partly retractable, giving them extra grip on the ground while running.
Past Lessons
| 228 | March 30, 2026 | (North America) |