Diprotodon Tooth Molar Replica

Description

Diprotodon Tooth Molar Replica measures 2 x 1.13 x 2.25 inches. Diprotodon Tooth Molar Replica is museum-quality polyurethane resin cast. 1:1 scale. Made in USA.

A giant relative of the wombat from the Pleistocene of Australia, Diprotodon optatum is the largest known marsupial ever to have lived. Along with many other members of a group of unusual species collectively called the Australian megafauna, it existed from approximately 1.6 million years ago until extinction some 46,000 years ago (through most of the Pleistocene epoch).

Diprotodon optatum species fossils have been found in sites across mainland Australia, including complete skulls and skeletons, hair, and foot impressions. Female Diprotodon optatum skeletons have been found with babies located where the mother’s pouch would have been.

Diprotodon optatum superficially resembled a rhinoceros without a horn. Its feet turned inwards like a Wombat’s, giving it a pigeon-toed appearance. It had strong claws on the front feet and its pouch opening faced backwards.

Its footprints have been found showing a covering of hair, which indicates it had a coat similar to a modern wombat.

The skull of Diprotodon optatum has large endocranial sinus cavities, which separate the relatively small cranial vault from the outer part of the skull. These significantly lighten the skull while providing large areas for muscle attachment and reduce load stress.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Infraclass: Marsupialia
• Order: Diprotodontia
• Family: †Diprotodontidae
• Genus: †Diprotodon
• Type species: Diprotodon optatum
• Conservation Status: Extinct