Researchers have used 3D printing technology to gain new insights into the hunting mechanics of extinct sabre-toothed predators. The study, published in Current Biology, examined over 200 carnivore teeth to understand how these iconic prehistoric hunters used their distinctive canine teeth.
Scientists created stainless steel 3D printed replicas of various carnivore teeth to conduct puncture tests using gelatin blocks that simulated prey flesh. The metal prints were specifically chosen to prevent tooth bending during the experiments, ensuring accurate measurements of the force required to penetrate the target material.
The research revealed that extreme sabre-tooth forms, like those found in Smilodon, were optimized for efficiently puncturing prey while requiring minimal force. However, these specialized teeth were also more susceptible to breakage under high stress compared to the more robust teeth of other prehistoric predators like Dinofelis.
The findings challenge previous assumptions that sabre-toothed predators fell into just two distinct categories. Instead, the study demonstrated a continuous spectrum of tooth shapes, ranging from extreme forms with long, curved canines to less extreme variations with straighter, more robust teeth.
The research team’s use of 3D printing and engineering simulations has provided valuable insights into evolutionary adaptation. Their findings suggest that the increasing specialization of sabre teeth, while making these predators highly effective hunters, may have also contributed to their eventual extinction when ecosystems changed and prey became scarce.
The study’s implications extend beyond paleontology into modern engineering applications. The same principles of balancing sharpness and durability observed in sabre-toothed predators can inform the design of precision tools, from surgical instruments to industrial cutting equipment.
Source: theconversation.com