Expert: David Prus - 7/7/2009

Question
Thank you for answering all my previous questions:
1)Which were the probable prey items for Amphicyon??
2)Can you provide me a pic of the claws of Amphicyon??
3)What about Amphicyon against these animals:
Megalania
Gigantophis
Megaloceros
Hyaenodon
Deinonychus(2)
Velociraptors(7)
Utahraptor
Gigantopithecus
Dilophosaurus
Pachycrocuta(2)
Canis Dirus(5)
Smilodon Populator
Barbourofelis
Xenosmilus
Herrerasaurus(3)
Tremarctos floridanus

thank you.


Answer
1)It was widespread across the Northern continents from the USA to China to India to Europe, so subadult rhinos, chalicotheres, anthracotheres, pigs, giraffes, deer, antelope, hyracodonts, horses, oreodonts, rodents (in times of desperation), peccaries, horned ungulates called Protoceratids, and of course carrion.

2) http://www.paleodirect.com/imgset3/lm43-007aa.jpg

The lizard's too big and its bite too lethal for Amphicyon

If the snake has a chance to get a grip on the bear-dog, it will win. However, snakes have very little stamina and the bear dog would probably crush it if the first strike misses

The elk might be able to keep it at bay for a short time, but since bears hunt moose today and use their superior strength, weight, and weapons, I would think that Amphicyon wouldn't have too much of a problem

Hyenodon gigas and weilini were larger, but I think Amphicyon would win due to its ability to use its front claws in combat. The other species are simply too small to pose a threat one-on-one

I think that the Deinonychus could eventually take out the Amphicyon if they were lucky, but if the bear dog manages to get a good attack on one it's all over. Pretty even

Seven Velociraptors would probably overwhelm the Amphicyon with heavy casualties

Amphicyon is a better grappler, but the raptor has superior weapons and would probably win slightly more often

Gigantopithecus' size would give it a good chance of simply overpowering the bear-dog, but Amphicyon is better armed and has enough muscle to tip the scales.

Dilophosaurus has superior reach, but I don't think it was heavily built enough to stand the damage the bear dog would inflict

Amphicyon is bigger and better armed than Pachycrocuta, and two of them simply aren't enough to turn the tide

Wolves wear down their bears today, so I think the dire wolves have a good chance of defeating the Amphicyon

Both Bear dogs and saber-toothed cats are incredibly powerful and some of the most muscular predators of all time, so I would go with the larger bear dog over Smilodon, Xenosmilus and Barbourofelis.

3 Herrerasaurus stand a good chance. I'd go 50/50 on this one.

While the Florida Cave bear was formidable, it was also a herbivore and slightly smaller. Amphicyon would have an advantage

I hope this helps