microrobert
02-04-2015, 02:40 PM
Biggest rodent 'fought with teeth' like tusks
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/80753000/jpg/_80753754_josephofrancia.jpg
Scientists say the largest ever rodent probably used its huge front teeth like tusks, defending itself and digging with them instead of just biting food.
The bull-sized cousin to the guinea pig died out around two million years ago.
Based on a CT scan of its skull and subsequent computer simulations, its bite was as strong as a tiger - but its front teeth were built to withstand forces nearly three times larger.
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-31111843
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/80753000/jpg/_80753754_josephofrancia.jpg
Scientists say the largest ever rodent probably used its huge front teeth like tusks, defending itself and digging with them instead of just biting food.
The bull-sized cousin to the guinea pig died out around two million years ago.
Based on a CT scan of its skull and subsequent computer simulations, its bite was as strong as a tiger - but its front teeth were built to withstand forces nearly three times larger.
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-31111843