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A complete skeleton of *Thylacoleo carnifex*, a huge marsupial ‘lion’, was found in a cave in the Nullarbor Plain - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 7 - 2007 - Paper 1
Question 7
A complete skeleton of *Thylacoleo carnifex*, a huge marsupial ‘lion’, was found in a cave in the Nullarbor Plain. Further exploration uncovered more specimens of *T... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A complete skeleton of *Thylacoleo carnifex*, a huge marsupial ‘lion’, was found in a cave in the Nullarbor Plain - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 7 - 2007 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe a relative dating technique which could be used to date the extinct mammals.
Answer
One relative dating technique that can be used is stratigraphy. This method involves examining the layers of rock (strata) in which fossils are found. It assumes that lower layers are older than upper layers, allowing scientists to estimate the relative age of a fossil based on its position within the stratigraphic sequence.
Step 2
What kind of evolution has produced similar characteristics in *Thylacoleo* and lions?
Answer
The type of evolution that has produced similar characteristics in Thylacoleo and lions is known as convergent evolution. This occurs when unrelated species evolve similar traits or adaptations in response to similar environmental pressures or ecological niches.
Step 3
Describe two methods by which *Thylacoleo* is likely to have obtained its food, and state the evidence that supports your answers.
Answer
i. Killed and ate fresh meat: Evidence for this includes the presence of killing teeth, which were designed for killing prey. Additionally, slicing teeth indicate a diet that involved cutting through flesh.
ii. Hunted: Evidence supporting this method includes short, strong limbs which suggest efficiency in pursuing or grappling with prey, as well as powerful jaws suitable for holding and consuming meat.