Physical/Structural Adaptations
Sense of SmellAs devils feed mostly on animal carcasses they need to be able to find them. Their unique nose is very sensitive allowing them to smell blood from 1 kilometer away. This is crucial as carcasses can be scarce .
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Powerful JawsUpon finding rotting flesh, devils have to be able to consume it. Their jaws have become strong enough to allow them to rip into carcasses and make meat into smaller, edible pieces.
If rotting meat cannot be found, devils use their jaws for taking down live prey. They will hunt creatures such as wallabies or farm animals. |
OdorWhen devils are threatened they have the ability to emit a smell to repel predators and other devils when fighting over food.
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Behavioral Adaptations
It is believed that Devils became nocturnal to avoid predators and threats such as humans, dingos and thylacines (Tasmanian tigers that are now exctinct). Whilst this was useful in the wild, captive devils are displayed during the day and are awake for this as they don't face any threats.
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If there is not enough carrion, Devils will meet up with each other at the same carcass. In response to this the devils will 'scream' at each other in an attempt to scare each other away so that they may have the food to themselves. In captivity, because devils aren't forced to eat communally, they do not use this adaptation.
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