| Shown
here are side-by-side images which demonstrate the anatomical differences
between the skulls of the thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus) and
Grey wolf (Canis lupus). Both of these examples are resin
cast replicas. In the dorsal view, note that the thylacine has a
much broader forehead than the wolf, and that there are differences in
the form of the zygomatic arches and braincase. Also, the rostrum
(snout) of the thylacine is far narrower than that of the wolf. In
the ventral view, one can easily see the major differences in dentition
that readily distinguish the two species as members of distinct mammal
groups. The dentition of both species will be shown in greater detail
on the following page. Also visible in the ventral view are the thylacine's
maxillary palatal vacuities (posterior palatal foramina). These are
the two parallel openings at the back of the mouth - a feature not present
in the wolf. However, in this
replica,
the vacuities are sealed and do not open into the interior of the skull
as would be the case with a natural
bone specimen.
Additionally, note
that this particular thylacine skull is unusual in that it displays a malformation
of the saggital crest (the flange of bone which projects from the top of
the skull's braincase region), in which it is slightly folded downward.
This may have occurred as a result of an injury to one side of the head
when the animal was young, and its skull was still growing. |
