A fossil discovery in Egypt’s Fayum Depression has provided new insights into the extinction of ancient carnivores, including a previously unidentified species of hyaenodonta. The nearly complete skull of Bastetodon syrtos, a leopard-size predator with sharp cat-like teeth and a powerful bite, dates back to around 30 million years ago.
Researchers have long been fascinated by the mysterious demise of these apex predators, which dominated the food chain before disappearing about 25 million years ago. The discovery of Bastetodon’s skull offers a rare glimpse into this time period, providing clues about their evolution and extinction.
The name “Bastetodon” is inspired by the ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet, due to the species’ unique shorter snout compared to other hyaenodonts. This distinctive feature would have given Bastetodon an extremely powerful bite. As one researcher noted, “We can frankly say that Bastetodon was the king of the ancient Egyptian forest.”
The fossil provides a rare window into the ecosystem of the Fayum Depression during the Oligocene period, which was characterized by lush tropical rainforests and diverse wildlife. Bastetodon would have preyed on primates, early hippos, and elephants.
Researchers compared Bastetodon’s skull with that of another hyaenodonta species found in Africa, revealing that both belonged to the same group that originated in Africa. The discovery sheds light on faunal turnover during this period, when some species went extinct while new ones emerged due to environmental changes.
The study’s findings contribute to our understanding of why ancient carnivores like Bastetodon went extinct and how adaptable they were. By filling in the gaps of the fossil record, scientists can better grasp the complex dynamics of evolution and extinction.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/paleontologists-uncover-nearly-complete-skull-114134699.html