ScienceAugust 31, 2026

thylacine

THY-luh-sine

Definition

An extinct, carnivorous marsupial native to Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea, often referred to as the Tasmanian tiger or Tasmanian wolf due to its superficial resemblance to canids.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'thylakos,' meaning 'pouch,' referring to the animal's status as a marsupial.

In the news

The article discusses the thylacine to challenge misconceptions about its hunting behavior and to highlight how its physical traits, despite its dog-like appearance, actually indicate it was not a threat to sheep.

The Tasmanian Tiger's Unique Skull Suggests Sheep Were Not Its Main Prey

Read the full article ↗

Discover Magazine

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