Teeth

Inktober 8: “Teeth”.
(Plus Halloween and Australian biodiversity/conservation)

These are some of the most special teeth that nature has ever come up with. They belong to Thylacoleo Carnifax, a jaguar-sized carnivore who lived in Australia until around 30,000 years ago. This “marsupial lion” had a bite far more powerful than an African lion, who can sometimes take up to 15 minutes to kill their prey. Not so for Thylacoleo- their perfectly boltcutter-shaped razor sharp teeth could chomp right through bone.

They were a chunky kitty though, and rather than chase their prey, they were an ambush hunter who would wait in trees and other places, using their opposable thumbs to climb.
Ever heard of a drop bear?
That’s very likely a wee cultural memory from Aboriginal people that harkens back to terrors like this tubby, chompy treecat of doom.

Australia, mate.