Bastetodon Syrtos: Know All about Long-Lost Apex Predator

An extraordinary fossil discovery in Egypt provides valuable insights into ancient predator species. This newly discovered species is named Bastetodon Syrtosonce ruled the tropical forests of Egypt about 30 million years ago, and then mysteriously became extinct. Scientists believe that this rare skull fossil can unlock important clues about the evolutionary history and ultimate demise of these powerful carnivores.

Source: Provided by Hesham Sallam

Key Highlights

aspect

detail

Species name

Bastetodon Syrtos

period

Early Oligocene (30 million years ago)

Discover location

Fim Depression, Western Desert, Egypt

Discovery Year

2020

Research Institutions

Center for Vertebrate Paleontology, Mansoura University, Cairo University, Duke University

significance

The most complete hyena Skull found in Africa

Discover: Breakthrough Fossil

Almost complete skull fossils were excavated in the western desert of Egypt, which marked the hyena. This large carnivorous mammal has characteristics similar to cats and dogs, but belongs to a completely different lineage. The discovery was collaborated by Shorouq Al-Ashqar, a researcher at Mansoura University, with an international team of paleontologists. Fossils were found in fayum depression and were once dense rainforests.

Function Bastetodon Syrtos

Bastetodon Syrtos is named after the ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet and is known for its feline-like characteristics. He has a shorter nose than others hyena. His teeth are sharp and tooth-shaped, allowing it to provide a powerful bite. It is estimated to be about the size of a leopard and is most likely to prey on primates, early hippos and elephants.

Anatomy and lifestyle Bastetodon Syrtos

Fossils are rare in anatomy of these long-term extinct predators. Their strong jaw muscles and specialized teeth show that they are powerful hunters, able to shoot down prey that is much larger than themselves. Fayum’s surroundings were once home to a large number of early mammals and may provide plenty of hunting opportunities B. Syrtos.

feature

detail

scientific name

Bastetodon Syrtos

family

hyena

diet

Super meat (at least 70% meat)

size

Similar to modern leopard

Hunting strategies

Ambush predators, targeting large mammals

Habitat

Once a lush ecosystem, it is now the Fayum Desert

Global presence

Located in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America

Why is this discovery important?

  • Unparalleled Fossil Preservation: Most ancient carnivorous fossils are fragmented, usually composed of fragments of teeth or skulls. The discovery is one of the most complete skulls ever and can be analyzed in detail.
  • Evolutionary significance: Fossils help scientists understand the perspective lineage and how it develops on various continents. Comparative studies with other species Sekhmetops show that these apex predators are unique to Africa.
  • Climate Change and Animal Movement: The Eocene-Eocene Border (34 million years ago) marks a global cooling period, leading to mass extinction. Surviving hyenas adapt to changing environments, but eventually lost to modern predators such as dogs and cats. Scientists are exploring how climate change, competition, and dietary specialization affects their decline.

Source: Provided by Hesham Sallam

The scientific significance of discovery

Discover Bastetodon Syrtos It is an important step in understanding the ancient predator dynamics and the evolutionary history of carnivorous mammals. It provides important clues about how high carnitine develops, spreads across continents and eventually disappears.

Expert insights

Shorouq al-Ashqar said: “The discovery of Bastetodon Syrtos marks a significant achievement in our understanding of the diversity and global distribution of hyenas. Our future research aims to delve into its complex evolutionary relationships and adapt to the environments of each continent. Different environments.”

Source: Provided by Hesham Sallam

What are the causes of decline and extinction hyaenodonta?

Despite their dominance for millions of years, hyena It eventually became extinct 5 to 7 million years ago. Scientists believe that the decline is driven by a variety of factors:

1. Climate change

Changing global temperature and environmental changes may reduce its habitat and food sources.

2. Competition for emerging predators

The emergence of fetal hair (cat ancestors) and canine families (dog and bear ancestors) has led to new, more suitable for adaptive predatory species. These competitors have developed excellent hunting strategies, greater endurance and more efficient use of the environment.

3. Unfavorable evolution

Hyenas have special dietary and ecological needs that make them susceptible to environmental changes. Their lack of adaptability leads to their ultimate extinction.

Extinction hyena Still a paleontological mystery. This fossil provides a missing link to understand why these once successful predators disappeared.

in conclusion

Discover Bastetodon Syrtos Represents a major milestone in paleontology, illuminating the evolution and extinction of prehistoric African avant-garde predators. Preserved skulls not only help reconstruct the anatomy and behavior of the species, but also provide valuable insights into the impact of climate change and ecological competition on ancient carnivores. Continued research on this fossil will continue to reveal the mysteries of the prehistoric world and its lost giants.