3D scans of Tasmanian tiger’s skull reveal it had crocodile-style snapping jaws

Researchers from Flinders University and the University of Melbourne have conducted a groundbreaking study revealing that the thylacine, commonly known as the Tasmanian tiger, possessed a bite mechanism unlike any other living carnivorous mammal. Published in Nature Communications, the study utilized advanced 3D scanning and comparative anatomy to analyze the unique skull structure of the extinct species. The findings challenge previous assumptions about the thylacine’s ecological role and provide critical insights into its evolutionary distinctiveness. The study focused on the thylacine’s skull, which is characterized by an oversized cranium, a long and tall upper jaw, and a widened, mace-like snout. These anatomical features suggest that the thylacine employed a specialized form of predation, what researchers describe as "high-impact snapping." This technique, facilitated by the animal’s elongated jaw and powerful bite force, enabled it to subdue small to medium-sized prey, primarily bandicoots, rather than larger animals such as sheep. The research contradicts historical narratives that portrayed the thylacine as a threat to livestock, contributing significantly to its demise. Professor Vera Weisbecker, lead researcher from Flinders University, emphasized the uniqueness of the thylacine’s skull. She noted that while the species was often likened to dogs due to its "dog-headed" appearance, its evolutionary lineage is more closely tied to kangaroos and the Tasmanian devil. The study confirmed that the thylacine’s skull structure diverged significantly from that of other predatory mammals, making direct comparisons difficult. “You can’t really compare the thylacine to any of the animals it’s been compared to before,” she stated, highlighting the animal’s singular evolutionary path. The thylacine, scientifically named Thylacinus cynocephalus, inhabited Tasmania until the early 20th century. Despite its survival well into the 1900s, the species faced persecution from farmers who believed it preyed on sheep. This misconception led to government bounties, accelerating its decline. The last known thylacine died in captivity at Beaumaris Zoo in Hobart in 1933, marking the end of a species that once roamed the forests of Australia. The new study builds upon earlier research that questioned the thylacine’s ability to hunt large animals. A 2011 study demonstrated that the thylacine’s weak jaw structure made it unlikely to kill and consume sheep, further challenging the narrative that drove its extinction. Dr. Weisbecker explained that the thylacine’s hunting style was fundamentally different from that of other predators. “It hunted animals in a way that no other mammal that is alive today probably hunted,” she said. This distinction underscores the loss of a truly unique species. The research team also explored the evolutionary implications of the thylacine’s skull morphology. While the species shares certain traits with wolves and other canids, such as a "dog-like" skull shape, genetic studies suggest that these similarities arose independently through convergent evolution. The thylacine’s distinctive snout, shaped like a mace, is rare among modern mammals and may have evolved to enhance its hunting efficiency. Comparative analyses with other vertebrates, including crocodiles and extinct predators like Andrewsarchus, highlight the thylacine’s place in a broader evolutionary context. As the final piece of evidence, the study notes that the thylacine’s extinction represents a profound loss to biodiversity. With no living descendants, the species remains a cautionary tale of human-driven extinction. The research not only sheds light on the thylacine’s biology but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the diversity of life on Earth.