What significant outcome resulted from the disappearance of the marsupial lion from the food web?
Answer
A massive functional gap was left in the ecosystem
The extinction of *Thylacoleo carnifex*, alongside other giants like giant kangaroos and wombats, did not result in a smooth transition or simple replacement. Instead, its disappearance created a massive functional gap within the Australian food web. The role of a solitary, specialized, apex ambush predator utilizing crushing force was vacated. While the introduced dingo filled some predatory roles, its hunting mechanics and niche—relying on canine pack tactics—were fundamentally different from the specialized niche occupied by the marsupial lion.
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