Thylacoleo carnifex

The Thylacoleo carnifex is believed to have evolved from a plant eating species of wombat or possum. It is 1.5m long (head-tail) and 75cm tall at the shoulder. The limb proportions of Thylacoleo carnifex suggest that it was cursorial (adapted for running), but not swift. It also possessed a pseudo-opposable thumb which suggests it may have been partly scansorial (adapted for climbing). Thylacoleo carnifex was widely distributed over Australia during the Pleistocene era, and remains have been found in all states. It's distinguishing feature is it's dentition, which is unlike that of any other mammalian carnivore. The Thylacoleo had no canines in the lower jaw, and only small, non-functional canines in the upper jaw. The inner incisors however were larger in relation to the other teeth and resembled the incisors of a rodent. The molars or back teeth, usually used for grinding plant material, and all but one of the premolars were very small. The third premolar however, had evolved into an enormous bolt-like cutting device, enabling the Thylacoleo to slice through flesh with ease. Thylacoleo would have primarily fed on flesh as they did not possess teeth modifications to assist with bone cracking.