Nature & Animal Art!

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Inostrancevia

"A fearsome gorgonopsid (a class of mammal-like reptiles), the Siberian-born Inostrancevia ruled the mid-to-late Permian landscape in the barren desert of its native land. So far, it is the largest gorgonopsid known reaching lengths of up to 4 meters (13 feet) and weighing in at 450 kilograms (992 pounds). With this in mind, its Smilodon-like fangs and strong, enlarged neck muscles allow it to secure a deadly bite with its jaws equal to the grip of a giant plier crimping down on a small object. This particular gorgonopsid has particularly thick neck vertebrae compared to other gorgonopsids and even other mammalian carnivores. This indicates that Inostrancevia must have evolved to use its neck as a powerful battering ram and instead shook its prey around like toys, effectively breaking every single bone in their body and, thus, ultimately causing their death."

   

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