Data from: Functional anatomy of the cervical region in the late Miocene amphicyonid Magericyon anceps (Carnivora, Amphicyonidae): implications for its feeding behaviour

We describe the skull and neck morphology of the late Miocene amphicyonid
Magericyon anceps, focusing on aspects related to functional anatomy. This
species, recorded only from the Vallesian sites of Batallones-1 and
Batallones-3 (Madrid, Spain), is the last known amphicyonid in the fossil
record of Western Europe, with the Batallones populations being one of the
best-known of the family. The morphology of its skull and cervical
vertebrae allows us to infer aspects of its associated musculature, such
as muscle strength and range of movement. Magericyon anceps had
well-developed neck muscles, suited for providing the head with a high
capacity for lateral and rotatory movements, as well as for playing an
important role in the extension and stabilization of the head and neck,
improving its efficiency in killing and consuming prey. Magericyon anceps
shared its habitat with other large carnivorans, which would have strongly
influenced its behaviour. Rapid killing and processing of prey would have
been an advantage for avoiding kleptoparasitism by other large predators,
as well as reducing consumption time, during which M. anceps would have
been more vulnerable to attack from competitors.