What types of predators hunted the White River herbivores?
PR: One of the earliest known dogs, Hesperocyon, evolved in the Badlands during the Oligocene. Several saber tooth cat species also prowled the plains, along with Hyaenodons – hyena-like members of a separate carnivorous group called the creodonts. Dr. Peter D. Roopnarine Assistant Curator and Department Chair Department of Invertebrate Zoology & Goelogy Q: How can you distinguish between the skulls of true carnivores and creodonts? PR: Both groups of carnivorous animals evolved sharp, enlarged cheek teeth called carnassials, which slide against one another to shear meat. However, they developed these teeth in different parts of the jaw. In creodonts, the carnassials are always farther back in the mouth. Dr. Peter D. Roopnarine Assistant Curator and Department Chair Department of Invertebrate Zoology & Goelogy SKULL FACT Like modern cats, the Oligocene Hoplophoneus had binocular, or forward-facing eye sockets. This placement allowed its eyes to take in overlapping fields of vision, pro
