Organism · Placental mammals
Barbourofelis fricki
Source time context (not species duration) · ≈ 9.4–4.7 Ma
Inferred life reconstruction
Barbourofelis fricki
Overview
Barbourofelis fricki is a fossil mammal known for long saber-like canines and a short skull. Developed bony structures behind the eyes are also discussed in the literature. Several head features are compared alongside the large canines.[1]
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Key facts
Long canines and a short skull are contrasting features. Comparative material also includes bones behind the eyes and a large projection of the lower jaw. Different structures come together in one head.[1][2]
Time and place
It is studied in 1970 literature on North American saber-toothed mammals. Recorded fossil-bearing strata are summarized as spanning approximately 9.4–4.7 million years ago, across the Miocene and Pliocene. The head and teeth provide clues for comparing ancient mammals.[1][3]
The time range describes source context, not the complete duration of this species.
Size, form and skeleton
Descriptions in literature including this animal discuss long saber-like canines, a short skull, and bony structures behind the eyes. Genus-level descriptions also include a large lower-jaw projection. Distal limbs and plantigrade support are discussed through comparisons of a broader group.[1][2]
A model based on dental data in the 2021 CarniFOSS study estimates a body mass of approximately 240 kg.[4]
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Habitat and reproduction
Did all animals with large canines have the same body? The arrangements of the head, lower jaw, and distal limbs can be compared at different scopes. Beyond the conspicuous teeth are other clues to form.[2][1]
Fossil discovery
The abstract of a 1970 study describes the long canines and head features of Barbourofelini. Later taxonomic sources discuss the short skull and lower jaw, along with limb arrangements in a broader group. Questions expand from one feature to several body regions.[1][2]
References
- Schultz·Schultz·Martin (1970) — Saber-toothed mammals of North America
- 2003 taxonomic study — Comparing the skull and limbs of Barbourofelis
- Paleobiology Database — Age of fossil-bearing strata of Barbourofelis
- Faurby·Morlo·Werdelin(2021) — CarniFOSS fossil carnivorous mammal body-mass data
- La Brea Tar Pits — Mammal fossil collections
- ICS geologic time chart2024/12
- Florida Museum — Smilodon fatalis
- La Brea Tar Pits — Bodies of Ice Age animals
Research questions
How are the canines and lower-jaw projection positioned within the head? We can examine the broad feature of a short skull together with the locations of individual parts. Observation rereads the instantly recognizable saber teeth as a combination of several bones.[1][2]
Observation
Move your gaze from the long canines to the short skull and lower jaw. Considering structures behind the eyes alongside limb comparisons reveals different questions about the head and body.[1][2]
Related organisms
Smilodon fatalisPlacental mammalsSource time context (not species duration) · ≈ 2.58–0 MaDifferent mammals with striking long canines
Explore the bodies and life settings of Barbourofelis and Smilodon together. Barbourofelis: Barbourofelis fricki is a fossil mammal known for long saber-like canines and a short skull. Developed bony structures behind the eyes are also discussed in the literature. Smilodon: Smilodon fatalis is an ice-age cat with long, curved canines and powerful forelimbs. Including its short tail reveals proportions different from a modern tiger’s. Barbourofelis: It is studied in 1970 literature on North American saber-toothed mammals. Recorded fossil-bearing strata are summarized as spanning approximately 9.4–4.7 million years ago, across the Miocene and Pliocene. Smilodon: It is known from the Pleistocene Americas, from hundreds of thousands of years ago to around a little over 10,000 years ago. Material from North America, Central America, and western South America is presented.