But paleontologists have long believed that this super-ambush predator was not alone in its way of life. A predatory marsupial known as Thylacosmilus also had long blades projecting from its mouth. Instead of having its teeth fully exposed outside of its mouth like Smilodon, Thylacosmilus had flanges formed from its lower jaw. These protrusions of bone functioned somewhat like scabbards, protecting the animal’s canines when its mouth was closed. Beyond these differences, the animals were thought to have filled the same ecological ambush niche.

Source: New York Times July 09, 2020 09:00 UTC