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Saber-toothed tigers, also known as saber-toothed cats, are a group of extinct mammals characterized by their long, sharp canines. They belong to the family Machairodontinae and were part of the Felidae, or cat, family. These prehistoric creatures roamed the Earth during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs, which spanned from about 5 million to 10,000 years ago. Saber-toothed tigers were apex predators in their time, hunting large herbivorous mammals such as bison, ground sloths, and mammoths. Despite their common name, they are not actually related to modern-day tigers; rather, the term "tiger" is used to describe their impressive size and predatory nature. As fossil mammals, saber-toothed tigers share common characteristics with other mammals that have lived in the past, such as being warm-blooded, having hair or fur, and nursing their young with milk. Within the category of fossil vertebrates, they are classified as having a backbone and belonging to an ancient lineage of animals with a spinal column. As part of the family Machairodontinae, saber-toothed tigers exhibit several distinct features that set them apart from other extinct cats. Most notably, their elongated canines could grow up to 11 inches long, making them highly effective at delivering powerful, deadly bites. Their thick skulls and strong neck muscles also provided the necessary support for these large canines. Compared to modern-day felids, saber-toothed tigers had a more robust body structure, with shorter limbs and a longer, lower spine. This build allowed them to be skilled hunters and stalkers of their prey in various environments, including forests, grasslands, and caves. In summary, saber-toothed tigers are an extinct group of mammals known for their long, sharp canines that once roamed Earth as apex predators during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs. Belonging to the Felidae family, they display unique features compared to modern felids while sharing common characteristics with other fossil mammals and vertebrates.