Pleistocene Environments
Saber-toothed cats, or Smilodons, lived from about 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago. They weren't true tigers but a distinct group of large cat-like predators.
Habitats
* Grasslands and open woodlands: Most common, with ample prey like mammoths, mastodons, and bison.
* Savannas and mixed woodlands: Balance of open hunting space and wooded shelter.
* Near water sources: Rivers, lakes, and watering holes provided prey and water.
Geographic Range
Fossils are primarily found in North and South America, as well as parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Landscapes varied by location.
Saber-toothed cats were adaptable predators of open Pleistocene landscapes.