Data from: Craniodental indicators of prey size preference in the Felidae

In the present study, we used linear morphometrics of the crania, mandible
and dentition to explore the association between craniodental shape and
prey size among 35 species of living felids. To accomplish this, felids
were divided into three prey-size groups: (1) large prey specialists; (2)
small prey specialists; and (3) mixed prey feeders. From these linear
measurements, large prey specialist felids can be distinguished from small
and mixed prey feeders by their relatively robust canines and incisors and
relatively wide muzzles. These cranial characters are advantageous when
dispatching large prey, due to the stranglehold that cats employ during
this activity. Robust canines resist the bending and torsional forces
applied by struggling prey and a wider muzzle helps to stabilize grip and
distribute bite forces more evenly during the killing bite. Small prey
specialists had smaller canines, narrower muzzles and slightly longer jaws
for a speed advantage when catching small, quick prey. Mixed prey feeders
were intermediate between large and small prey specialists, indicating
they are adapted to killing both sizes of prey. Given the success of this
ecomorphological analysis of living felids that specialize on different
prey sizes, we look forward to applying this same approach to extinct
species.