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Smilodon\\xa0is probably one of the most iconic mammalian apex predators with its extended upper canines and robustly-built forearms. In fact, when we compare\\xa0Smilodon\\xa0to modern cats (felids), we don\\u2019t see these same characteristics. So what were they used for? Was\\xa0Smilodon\\xa0specialised for any particular behaviour?

Owing to the unique preservation of the tar seeps at Rancho La Brea, Los Angeles, USA, we can find an overabundance of predators, including\\xa0Smilodon fatalis, Canis dirus, Panthera atrox\\xa0and\\xa0Puma concolor. This allows researchers to reconstruct the predatory landscape of the area in the Pleistocene. Who was eating what? Was there any competition between predators?

All of these questions feed in to the \\u2018dietary ecology\\u2019 of\\xa0Smilodon\\xa0and here to discuss that, and more, is Dr Larisa DeSantis of Vanderbilt University.