What is the thylacine closest living relative? This question has intrigued scientists and wildlife enthusiasts alike for decades. The thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger, is an extinct carnivorous marsupial that once roamed the Australian island of Tasmania. With its distinctive striped fur and fearsome reputation, the thylacine became a symbol of Australia’s unique wildlife. However, its mysterious extinction in the 20th century has left many unanswered questions, including the identity of its closest living relative. In this article, we will explore the ongoing research and theories surrounding this fascinating topic.
The thylacine’s closest living relative is believed to be the quoll, a group of small to medium-sized marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea. Quolls, which belong to the family Dasyuridae, share several similarities with thylacines, such as their nocturnal habits, carnivorous diet, and marsupial reproductive system. Despite these similarities, the thylacine is no longer considered part of the quoll family due to significant differences in their evolutionary history.
One of the key pieces of evidence supporting the thylacine’s closest living relative being the quoll is the genetic analysis conducted by scientists. By comparing the DNA of thylacines and quolls, researchers have found that they share a relatively recent common ancestor. This genetic relationship suggests that the thylacine and quoll diverged from a common ancestor only a few million years ago.
Another line of evidence comes from the fossil record. Fossilized remains of thylacines and quolls have been found in the same regions, suggesting that they coexisted at some point in the past. This indicates that the two species were part of the same ecosystem and may have even interacted with each other.
However, some scientists argue that the closest living relative of the thylacine may not be the quoll. They propose that the dingo, another Australian carnivorous marsupial, could be the true closest relative. The dingo and thylacine share several physical characteristics, such as their striped fur and nocturnal behavior. Additionally, both species were hunted extensively by humans, which may have contributed to the thylacine’s extinction.
To resolve this debate, researchers are conducting further genetic studies and analyzing the fossil record. By uncovering more information about the evolutionary history of these species, scientists hope to determine the thylacine’s closest living relative with greater certainty.
In conclusion, the question of what is the thylacine closest living relative remains a topic of ongoing research. While the quoll is currently considered the most likely candidate, the possibility of the dingo being the true closest relative cannot be entirely ruled out. As scientists continue to delve into the mysteries of the thylacine’s past, we may eventually gain a clearer understanding of its evolutionary connections and the unique place it held in the Australian ecosystem.
