Elbow-joint morphology in the North American 'cheetah-like' cat Miracinonyx trumani

Article Geography, Physical

An age-depth model and revised stratigraphy of vertebrate-bearing units in Natural Trap Cave, Wyoming

David M. Lovelace et al.

Summary: Excavations at Natural Trap Cave (NTC) in Wyoming have revealed a diverse steppe fauna that existed during the Last Glacial Maximum. This study provides correlations between different stratigraphic schemes used in previous excavations and establishes an age-depth model to understand the spatiotemporal relationships between strata, paleoenvironmental proxies, and fossil assemblages. The research also suggests that sediment accumulation in the cave was discontinuous and that there were significant changes in depositional circumstances during interglacial periods.

QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL (2023)

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Article Geography, Physical

Were pronghorns (Antilocapra) primary prey for North American cheetahs (Miracinonyx)?

Pennilyn Higgins et al.

Summary: The predator-prey relationship between Pronghorn and Miracinonyx was tested using isotopic analysis of bone collagen from Natural Trap Cave. The results support the hypothesis that Miracinonyx preyed upon Antilocapra, but not exclusively. Antilocapra was also important prey for lions and wolves, with wolves showing a preference for horses.

QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL (2023)

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Article Biology

Elbow-joint morphology in the North American 'cheetah-like' cat Miracinonyx trumani

Borja Figueirido et al.

Summary: The North American cheetah-like cat Miracinonyx trumani, which became extinct 13,000 years ago, possessed a specialized skeleton for fast running. Its elbow morphology suggests that it had a less specialized pursuit predatory behavior compared to the living cheetah. The results challenge the degree of similarity between Miracinonyx trumani and its Old World vicar Acinonyx jubatus.

BIOLOGY LETTERS (2023)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

The brain of the North American cheetah-like cat Miracinonyx trumani

Borja Figueirido et al.

Summary: Research on the brain of the extinct North American cheetah compared to the living cheetah shows unique differences, indicating a potential reevaluation of the convergence between the two species.

ISCIENCE (2022)

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Article Ecology