Juvenile cranial anatomy of Nimravidae (Mammalia, Carnivora): biological and phylogenetic implications

ABSTRACT

The anatomy of the spectacular sabretoothed carnivorans has been studied many times. Their behavioural and biomechanical implications are well known in adults, but not in juvenile individuals, which are poorly represented in the fossil record. This work reports on a newly discovered Hoplophoneini (Nimravidae Nimravinae) of 5–6 months of age, which represents the earliest and one of the most complete juvenile crania discovered. We discuss and compare the juvenile anatomy of Palaeogene nimravids relative to that of other mammals, especially other carnivorans including the Miocene nimravids (i.e. Barbourofelinae). We also discuss the ontogenetic development of this individual and other sabretoothed predators, which provides important data for reconstructing the biology of these extinct predators. Our study of the juvenile anatomy of the Hoplophoneini reveals an original association of basicranial features: the ectotympanic rotates away from the cranium earlier than in other mammals, which may be an additional autapomorphy distinguishing the Palaeogene Nimravidae from other Carnivora; within Palaeogene Nimravidae, at a similar ontogenetic stage, there is a major difference in development and maximum ventral extension of ossification of the caudal entotympanic; in contrast to the Miocene nimravid Barbourofelis, there is no strong relationship between the eruption of the upper canines and the development of other sabretoothed features (especially the mandibular flange) in the individual described. These results confirm the conclusions of recent studies which suggested that Palaeogene Nimravidae (Nimravinae) and Miocene Nimravidae (Barbourofelinae) are not closely related. Muscular reconstruction and biomechanical models also confirmed that juvenile individuals were probably not able to kill or hunt any prey. They may have fed on carcasses, eating muscles by using the incisors, and associated with a pulling or twisting action of neck.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003, 138, 477–493.