“When every last life of an animal species is gone, how will we remember them? Unfortunately, extinction is a forever thing!”

Extinct animals refer to all those animals who no longer exist on earth. Today, we shall go back in time and have a look at some fascinating extinct animals in the world!

#1. Titanoboa

Approximately 66 million years ago, after the Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinction, the Paleocene period saw the existence of a giant and dangerous snake called Titanoboa. This snake measuring at approximately 42 feet, was longer than the reticulated python, which is the world’s actual longest snake. Its weight was four times heavier than the giant anaconda. It was usually dull in colour and had huge, sharp rows of teeth.

Back then, it used to live in the hot climate of the tropical forests found in South America. It was one of the most giant predators on earth as it used to kill its prey by constriction.

Unfortunately, no one has been able to uncover the exact reason why the Titanoboa went extinct. However, two theories were placed forward in an attempt to explain its extinction.

• Climate change is seen as responsible for the disappearance of this huge snake. The Titanoboa is an ectothermic snake which means that it used to depend on the environment to regulate its heat, meaning it could only thrive in hot climates. However, the sudden and rapid drop in global temperatures made it impossible for the snake to survive.

• Another theory is that the reduction in rain forests led to the Titanoboa having no proper habitat, which eventually led to its extinction.

#2. Tasmanian Tiger

Native to the New Guinea and Australia, the Thylacine, more commonly known as the Tasmanian Tiger, was a nocturnal carnivorous marsupial. It was sandy brown and had stripes on its back which made it resemble to a tiger. The animal preferred preying on kangaroos, rodents and birds. However, as per Live Science, despite this animal’s dangerous behaviour, it is quite timid and could have been easily captured without a fight.

Although the real causes of the extinction of the Tasmanian Tiger are unknown, it was argued by some theorists that it became extinct due to the Dingo population and perhaps due to over-hunting from humans. Despite the last known Tasmanian Tiger dying in Tasmania in 1936, some people claim to have seen the animal. This has led team of British researchers are launch an investigation aiming to prove that the species is still alive.

#3. Phoberomys Pattersoni

As per fossil which dates around 8 million years ago, Phoberomys pattersoni is an extinct rodent that was approximately the size of a buffalo. It was the largest rodent ever that lived near the banks of the ancient Orinoco River. It was nearly 10 feet long with a long tail and incisors. It was an herbivorous animal that used to feed on seagrass. However, the cause of the disappearance of these buffalo-sized rats remains a mystery.

A fun fact: researchers nicknamed the Phoberomys Pattersoni “ratzilla!”

#4. Helicoprion

Remember Bruce from ‘Jaws?’ Well, Helicoprion surpasses all deadly shark predators!

Helicoprion refers to a whorl-toothed shark that arose nearly 280 million years ago. Fossils revealed that it had a tooth whorl which consists of a cluster of razor-sharp teeth arranged in a wheel-like pattern. This dangerous feature gave the shark the name of “buzzsaw killer.”

The Helicoprion went extinct during the Early Triassic which refers to one of the three periods of the Triassic period which was the world’s worst extinction event. Its fossils were found in two countries, Russia and America.

What do you think about the extinction of these animals? Unfortunate happenings or acts of nature?

Please share your comments!