3D scans of Tasmanian tiger’s skull reveal it had crocodile-style snapping jaws
A new study has found that Tasmanian tigers had an adaptation is found in no living carnivorous mammal.
The thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger, was a carnivorous marsupial that became extinct due to human activities and misconceptions. Recent 3D scans of its skull have revealed that it had a unique set of jaws, resembling those of crocodiles, which allowed it to deliver powerful snapping bites. The thylacine's elongated snout and relatively short body size suggest that its jaws were built for speed and impact, making it a formidable predator.
This jaw structure, which is not commonly found in other predatory mammals, may have evolved due to natural selection acting on developmental pathways shared with wolves and other predators. The thylacine's extinction highlights the devastating impact of human activities on unique wildlife and emphasizes the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
