Huge Cave Bears’ Large Sinuses May Have Led to Extinction

A report on how Europe’s huge cave bears may have become extinct because of their inability to chew meat due to their evolved large sinuses quotes Jack Tseng, PhD, assistant professor of pathology and anatomical sciences. “Mechanically speaking, being 'thickheaded' may not be a bad thing because more bone means more structural strength,” Tseng said. “However, our findings support the interpretation that requirements for sinus system function in cave bears necessitated a trade-off between sinus development and skull strength.”