Figure 9 in Feeding behaviour and bite force of sabretoothed predators

Figure 9. Mandibular force profiles of scimitar-toothed machairodonts (Homotherini). 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 a shallow canine bite. 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 are much higher than those of extant felids, suggesting that prey was restrained prior to the sabre bite.