What term identifies the extinct members of the Canidae family known as bone-crushing canids?
Answer
Borophaginae
The broader family *Canidae* encompasses a long evolutionary history featuring several distinct lineages. Among these ancient branches were the *Borophaginae*, which are specifically identified by their robust skeletal structure adapted for crushing bones, earning them the descriptor 'bone-crushing canids.' The lineage that gave rise to modern wolves, dogs, and coyotes diverged from these earlier groups. Understanding this divergence from extinct forms like the *Borophaginae* helps paleontologists map out the ancient tree of canid evolution before the more recent specialization seen in the *Canis* genus.
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