Thylacoleo

Also known as the marsupial lion, this carnivore is estimated at a relatively small size: about 1.14 to 1.5m.

However, it was seemingly extremely specialised for killing large prey.

First, its jaws boasted great shearing teeth. According to research, the Thylacoleo is the mammal with the most powerful bite yet discovered.

Secondly, it had paws almost like human hands. Apart from the traditional claws for gripping and cutting, the paw also possessed a semi-opposable thumb tipped with a large curved claw.

Finally, it had the ability to rear up on two legs, giving the paws full opportunity to maul its prey.

But when it was a herbivore before the fall of man, it possibly stood up to pluck fruits from the tree branches.