Figure 7 in Feeding behaviour and bite force of sabretoothed predators

Figure 7. Mandibular force profiles of scimitar-toothed nimravids. Values are presented for the canine, P3P4, and post-M1 interdental gaps. Zx/L-values at the canine are lower than those at post-M1, suggesting shallower bites than dirk-toothed nimravids. No increase in dorsoventral buttressing occurs in the vicinity of the cheek teeth, indicating that the mandibular ramus is adapted for slicing meat exclusively. The Zx/Zycanine values of scimitar-toothed nimravids, to the exception of Nimravus brachyops, are much higher than those of extant felids, suggesting that prey was restrained prior to the sabre bite. The Zx/Zycanine values of N. brachyops are relatively lower, being similar to those of the extant felid Neofelis nebulosa.