It’s going to take a little while to get my latest paleo-post up and running, but in the meantime I thought I would put up a bit of a “teaser.” The following picture is of the remains of the skull studied and described by a persnickety British anatomist during the 19th century, and is the focus of my current project.
I can’t think of any sort of “prize” that I’d be able to give for anyone who correctly identifies the fossil, although the self satisfaction from figuring it out should be a pretty good ego-boost in-and-of itself.
Laelaps 
Large, shear-like, somewhat plagiaulacoid looking premolars, but too large and robust for a multi (and lacking a multi’s typical molars, too)? Described by a persnickety victorian anatomist – sounds like Owen? Thylacoleo?
Are those…jaw fragments on bottom center and bottom right? If so, they look like shearing teeth. It’s definately mammalian, given the shape of the skull…almost like a bear. If those line drawings are any indication, it’s got split roots on the teeth, so we’re probably talking premolars. But premolars that are sloped and smooth? Again, shearing teeth?
I’m just confused, now. 😦
It’s definitely a mammal and those are definitely teeth used for shearing. Here’s another hint; it belongs to the same Infraclass as the Virginia Opossum.
Got it. It’s Thylacoleo carnifex!
Both of you guys got it! I’ve been holding off on putting it up as I’ve been waiting on permission to use a rather striking reconstruction that was made the year before last, and hopefully I’ll have it up today. Congrats to both of you!
I leave a comment when I like a article on a site or I have something to add to the discussion. Usually it is triggered by the fire displayed in the post I read. And on this article Maison Atlanta Blog » Tmas two nights before Christmas. I was actually moved enough to drop a thought I actually do have 2 questions for you if it’s okay. Could it be just me or do some of these comments appear as if they are left by brain dead visitors? And, if you are posting at additional sites, I’d like to follow everything fresh you have to post. Would you list every one of all your social pages like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?