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| This is
a cast replica of an articulated Thylacoleo hand from Victoria Fossil
Cave, Naracoorte, South Australia. Although the distal phalanges
(finger tip bones) are missing, this specimen was the first instance in
which anyone had ever seen what the hand of Thylacoleo actually
looked like. In the limestone cave, mineral-laden water had dripped
from the ceiling onto the hand ages ago, which acted as a glue to keep
the bones together. |
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The same
hand viewed from another angle. Note the enormous, hooded structure
of the thumb. A large, sharp claw would have projected from this,
serving as a formidable weapon. By comparison, the claws of the other
fingers were relatively small and weak. In this replica, the thumb
has been swung back to display the wide range of movement it had in life.
Thylacoleo
carnifex was a very robustly built animal with strong, gripping arms. |
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