To evaluate the claim that the Hoplophoneus skull looks more like the skull of a Mountain Lion or a Saber-tooth Cat, we can focus on some key anatomical features and behavioral traits.
-
Skull Shape and Features:
- Saber-tooth Cat (Smilodon): This animal had a distinctive skull with elongated canines, a robust build, and a broader, more specialized jaw structure that evolved to help it tackle large prey. It had an adapted skull shape that supports strong biting and the ability to anchor those long teeth.
- Mountain Lion (Puma concolor): The mountain lion, also known as the cougar, has a more typical feline skull shape with sharp but shorter canines compared to the saber-toothed cat. They are built for agility, with a skull structure that allows for a wider variety of prey capture.
-
Jaw Mobility:
- The saber-tooth cat's jaw could indeed open to a wide degree, suitable for biting into large prey, which aligns with the cat's predatory adaptations.
- In contrast, the mountain lion’s jaw is built for a mix of stalking and ambushing, with less emphasis on the extreme jaw opening.
Given the evidence that Hoplophoneus possesses long, sharp front teeth and a jaw capable of significant opening (beyond 45 degrees), it suggests an adaptation more aligned with the predatory nature of saber-tooth cats. Therefore:
Conclusion: The Hoplophoneus skull looks more like the saber-tooth cat skull, as both share specific adaptations for predation that emphasize long, sharp teeth and specialized jaw structures.