The large extinct cats known as smilodon lived approximately 3 million-10,000 years ago in North America and South America. They are the only known successors to Machairodus. Smilodon means knife tooth — an entirely appropriate name. The smilodon species are also known as sabertooth or sabre-toothed tigers (which is inaccurate-they weren't tigers) or sabertooth cats.

Three species of Smilodon are known to have existed:

• Smilodon fatalis, 1.6 million-10,000 years ago
• Smilodon gracilis, 2.5 million-500,000 years ago
• Smilodon populator, 1 million-10,000 years ago

• Smilodon californicus and Smilodon floridus may be subspecies of Smilodon fatalis.

Smilodon was approximately 350 kg and had a short tail, powerful legs and a large head. Its jaws could open 95 degrees. Its fangs were about 17 cm (7 inches) long.

Many Smilodon fossils have been unearthed at the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, which is why it is the prehistoric cat researchers know the most about.

Smilodons in pop culture

The smilodon, or the sabertoothed tiger, is the power source of Trini Kwan and Aisha Campbell in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.