Thylacosmilus atrox Reconstruction Poster

Despite its superficial resemblance with saber-toothed cats, thylacosmilus was not a cat and is most closely related to today’s South American opossums. 
 
When South America rifted away from Africa 135 million years ago, the continent remained in complete isolation until 3 million years ago. A group of opossum like animals called sparrassodonts diversified and came to dominate the ecosystems as top carnivores. 
 
One of the sparrassodont lineages gave rise to a saber-toothed form. With ever growing canines that root behind the eyes, a powerful neck, robust forelimbs and a chin sheath to protect its teeth, thylacosmilus was a very odd looking animal.
 
 
Channel content - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46juS4ozU7c
 
Despite its unusual shape thylacosmilus was brilliantly adapted to withstand large forces applied across its body. A long and robust neck, flexible limb joints suggest its ability to grapple with large prey, which once immobilized are killed with a precise, piercing bite. 
 
May the spirit of Thylacosmilus, grace your presence and inspire you to be a force for a greener, wilder, sustainable future.