Here's a breakdown of the landscapes they inhabited:
* Grasslands and Open Woodlands: These were the most common environments for Smilodons. They thrived in areas with ample prey, such as large herbivores like mammoths, mastodons, and bison. Think of the vast grasslands of the American Great Plains, parts of Eurasia, and Africa.
* Savannas and Mixed Woodlands: These areas provided a balance of open spaces for hunting and wooded areas for shelter and ambush. Smilodons would have been well-adapted to this type of environment.
* Near Water Sources: Like modern big cats, Smilodons likely preferred areas near water sources like rivers, lakes, and watering holes. This would have given them access to both prey and water.
Important Note:
* Geographic Distribution: Smilodons were not found in every part of the world. Their fossils are primarily found in North and South America, as well as in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
* Specific Locations: The specific landscapes varied based on location. For example, Smilodons in North America would have lived in a different environment than those in South America.
Overall, saber-toothed tigers were adaptable predators who thrived in a variety of open landscapes during the Pleistocene.