What unique dental structure characterized Thylacoleo's killing mechanism?
Answer
Two enormous, vertically-aligned upper and lower premolars
The most compelling anatomical evidence against Thylacoleo being a cat is found in its dentition. While true cats possess specialized, blade-like cheek teeth known as carnassials used for shearing meat off bone, Thylacoleo featured two massive premolars in both its upper and lower jaws. These teeth functioned more akin to powerful bone-crushing shears or bolt-cutters. This robust structure suggests a feeding strategy that involved delivering immense crushing force, likely enabling the creature to crack open bone to access nutrient-rich marrow, a behavior uncommon among the Felidae family.
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