Paleontologists discover fossil of ancient bobcat-sized carnivore!

The video discusses the extinct meat-eating mammal Pakakali ruqua insis, discovered by an international team led by Ohio University in Tanzania. Hyenodons, an independent lineage of meat-eating mammals, were the main predators in Africa before being outcompeted by carnivorans. The research team studies the biogeography and phylogenetic analysis to understand how competition led hyenodons to become specialized meat eaters, making them vulnerable to extinction. The new fossil findings help unravel the species' extinction dynamics during the African Cenozoic.

What was the size of the extinct mammal Pakakali ruqua insis?

• The size of a lion

• The size of a bobcat

• The size of a wolf

• The size of a bear

Where was the fossil of Pakakali ruqua insis discovered?

• Western Uganda

• Eastern Ethiopia

• Northern Kenya

• Ruqua Rift, Tanzania

Which group of animals were hyenodants not closely related to?

• Modern birds

• Modern amphibians

• Modern reptiles

• Modern carnivorans

What factor contributed to the extinction of hyenodants?

• Climate change

• Lack of food

• Disease outbreak

• Increased competition

What does the new fossil help scientists understand?

• The extinction dynamics during the African Cenozoic

• The migration patterns of hyenodants

• The breeding habits of hyenodants

• The diet of hyenodants