What characteristic is noted about the bite of the Modern Hyena (*Crocuta crocuta*) that serves as a point of comparison for crushing power?
Answer
High sustained crushing pressure, sometimes estimated over 1,000 PSI
Modern Hyenas (*Crocuta crocuta*) are cited as an example of contemporary large predators known for their osteophagic habits, meaning they consume bone. Their bites are characterized by extremely high sustained crushing pressure, with estimates sometimes exceeding 1,000 PSI. This predatory niche, focused on complete carcass utilization through bone consumption, is used as a benchmark when inferring the potential crushing power that Epicyon, classified as a bone-crusher, might have possessed.
Related Questions
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