Dunkleosteus: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification & Much More

By Morgan Gutierrez

Dunkleosteus: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification

Dunkleosteus, an impressive creature, roamed the ancient seas millions of years ago. It is one of the fascinating extinct animals that captivate our imagination. This powerful predator lived during the Late Devonian period, approximately 358-382 million years ago. It derived its name from David Dunkle, a famous American paleontologist, who discovered its fossils in Ohio, United States, in the 1950s.

Dunkleosteus was a colossal fish that could grow up to 33 feet in length and weighed over four tons. With its massive jaws, this creature had one of the strongest bites ever seen in the animal kingdom. It had no teeth but was armed with razor-sharp bony plates, allowing it to crush and devour its prey with ease. This ancient creature’s well-developed eyes and streamlined body shape enabled it to swim swiftly in search of food.

Believed to inhabit both shallow and deeper waters, Dunkleosteus had a widespread habitat that extended across oceans worldwide. Although it did not possess the ability to swim for long distances, it had a unique adaptation – it could gulp air, allowing it to hover at specific depths in the water. This astonishing feature enabled Dunkleosteus to exploit various marine environments for hunting.

In the classification of extinct animals, Dunkleosteus belongs to the group of placoderms, armored fish that dominated the Devonian period. Its large bony head shield protected its internal organs, making it highly resilient against predators. Scientists believe that Dunkleosteus was not only an accomplished hunter, but it also played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem during its existence.

If you’re intrigued by extinct animals like Dunkleosteus, you’ll find our blog rich with information about over 155 fascinating creatures. From the large and mighty to the small and mysterious, our goal is to bring these remarkable creatures back to life through words, images, and videos. So, join us on this extraordinary journey, as we delve into the astonishing world of extinct animals and discover the wonders they left behind.

History of Dunkleosteus

Dunkleosteus was an ancient animal that lived during the Devonian period, around 360-380 million years ago. It was a massive fish that roamed the oceans and was one of the largest predators of its time.

Dunkleosteus had a long and slender body, with a head that was covered in bony plates, forming a strong and protective armor. These plates helped to defend Dunkleosteus from other predators and made it a formidable hunter. It had sharp, razor-like teeth that it used to catch its prey, which likely consisted of smaller fish and even other marine animals.

Scientists believe that Dunkleosteus was a highly efficient swimmer, capable of reaching high speeds to chase down its prey. It had large, powerful fins that enabled it to navigate through the waters with ease. Despite its intimidating appearance, Dunkleosteus eventually went extinct, along with many other species during a period known as the Late Devonian extinction. The exact reason for its extinction is still unknown, but it is believed to have been caused by a combination of environmental changes, including dramatic fluctuations in sea level and loss of habitat.

Dunkleosteus is an important animal to study because it gives us insights into the ancient oceans and the creatures that inhabited them. By examining its fossilized remains, scientists can understand more about the evolution of marine life and the ecological changes that occurred millions of years ago. Despite its disappearance from the Earth’s waters, Dunkleosteus remains a fascinating and captivating creature that continues to capture the imagination of scientists and the general public alike.

Importance of Dunkleosteus

Dunkleosteus was an ancient fish that lived a long time ago. It is important for us to learn about Dunkleosteus because it helps us understand the animals that lived on Earth millions of years ago. By studying Dunkleosteus, scientists can learn more about how animals have evolved over time.

One reason why Dunkleosteus is important is because it was one of the largest predators in the ocean during its time. It had a powerful jaw and sharp teeth that it used to catch its prey. By studying its teeth and jaw structure, scientists can learn more about how predators hunted for food in the past.

Another reason why Dunkleosteus is important is because it provides clues about the Earth’s ancient oceans. By studying its fossils, scientists can learn about the environment that Dunkleosteus lived in. This can help them understand how the Earth’s climate and oceans have changed over millions of years.

In conclusion, studying Dunkleosteus is important because it helps scientists learn more about the animals and environments that existed long ago. By understanding how animals have evolved and how the Earth has changed, scientists can gain valuable insights into our planet’s history.

Amazing Facts About Dunkleosteus

1. Dunkleosteus was a type of prehistoric fish that lived around 358-382 million years ago, during the Late Devonian period.
2. It was one of the largest and most powerful fishes in the ancient oceans, reaching lengths of up to 33 feet (10 meters).
3. Dunkleosteus had a heavily armored body, protected by thick bony plates called osteoderms, which made it nearly impenetrable to other predators.
4. Despite its large size, it had a streamlined body shape, allowing it to swim quickly and maneuver easily in the water.
5. Its most distinctive feature was its massive jaws, which were lined with sharp bony blades used to crush and devour its prey.
6. Its bite was incredibly strong, with estimates suggesting it had one of the most powerful bites of any known animal, exerting a force of up to 8,000 pounds per square inch.
7. Dunkleosteus was a carnivorous fish, feeding primarily on other marine organisms like other fish and cephalopods.
8. It had small, beady eyes located on the top of its head, suggesting that it relied heavily on its sense of smell and vibration detection to locate prey.
9. The first fossil remains of Dunkleosteus were discovered in North America, specifically in present-day Ohio, United States.
10. It lived in shallow seas and coastal regions, where the abundance of prey provided it with ample food sources.
11. It is believed that Dunkleosteus used a suction mechanism to capture its prey, rapidly opening its jaws to create a strong vacuum that pulled the prey towards its mouth.
12. Despite its powerful jaws, Dunkleosteus lacked teeth. Instead, its bony jaws acted like scissors, shearing its prey into smaller, more manageable pieces.
13. Fossil evidence suggests that Dunkleosteus reproduced by laying eggs, similar to modern-day fish species.
14. It is classified as a placoderm, which refers to a group of armored fish that dominated the oceans millions of years ago.
15. The extinction of Dunkleosteus and other placoderms is believed to be associated with changes in marine ecosystems during the Late Devonian period, including a decline in coral reefs and the rise of more advanced fish species.

Can we keep Dunkleosteus as our Pet?

The Dunkleosteus is a fascinating prehistoric creature that lived millions of years ago. It was a massive fish with armor-like plates on its body and sharp jaws. However, it is important to remember that the Dunkleosteus is now extinct, which means it no longer exists today.

The extinction of the Dunkleosteus happened a long time ago due to various factors. Changes in the environment, such as climate shifts and alterations in the habitats it relied on, played a significant role in its disappearance. Additionally, competition for food and predation from other species also contributed to its extinction. These factors combined resulted in the eventual disappearance of the Dunkleosteus from our planet.

As much as it would be exciting to have a Dunkleosteus as a pet, we have to understand that it is simply not possible. Since the Dunkleosteus is extinct, it means that there are no more of these creatures alive today. We cannot keep them as pets because they no longer exist in our world. It is essential to focus on the animals and pets that are currently alive and in need of care and protection.

Size of Dunkleosteus

Dunkleosteus was an ancient creature that lived in the oceans about 360 million years ago during the Devonian period. It was a massive fish, known as a placoderm, and it was one of the largest fish that ever existed. Dunkleosteus measured around 30 feet (9 meters) long, which is longer than two school buses lined up together. It was also very heavy, weighing approximately 3 tons, which is equal to the weight of about six cars!

One thing that made Dunkleosteus unique was its mighty jaws. It had a large mouth with sharp, bony plates instead of teeth, which acted like shears. These plates could close shut with great force and could easily crush and slice through its prey. Dunkleosteus mainly ate other fish, and its strong jaws allowed it to dominate the ancient seas.

Not only was Dunkleosteus huge, but it also had a thick, armor-like exoskeleton covering its body to protect itself. This armor was made up of strong bony plates, making it very difficult for other creatures to harm or attack Dunkleosteus. It was truly an impressive and intimidating animal that ruled the ancient oceans with its size, strength, and powerful jaws.

In summary, Dunkleosteus was a gigantic fish that lived millions of years ago. It measured around 30 feet long and weighed 3 tons. Its jaws were incredibly powerful, able to crush and slice through its prey easily. With its thick armor, Dunkleosteus was a formidable predator of the ancient seas.

Habitat of Dunkleosteus

Dunkleosteus was an ancient armored fish that lived around 400 million years ago. Although we won’t talk about Dunkleosteus directly, we can explore its habitat, the place where it used to live. So, where did it call home?

Dunkleosteus lived in a time when the Earth’s continents were different from how they are now. It dwelled in oceans that were much different from the ones we have today. Back then, the Earth was warm and filled with vast oceans that held many unique underwater creatures.

This marvelous fish loved to swim in what is now known as North America and Europe. It inhabited oceans and seas that were shallow, warm, and filled with life. These oceans were teeming with various fish species, sharks, marine reptiles, and other incredible creatures. Dunkleosteus was part of a fascinating ecosystem where it played an important role.

The habitat of Dunkleosteus was a world of coral reefs, sandy bottoms, and waters with lots of nutrients. These features supported a rich diversity of life forms that provided food for Dunkleosteus. It used its sharp jaws to catch prey and survive in these ancient oceans.

In summary, Dunkleosteus dwelled in ancient oceans that were warm, shallow, and full of life. It lived in North America and Europe, swimming alongside many other creatures. Its habitat consisted of coral reefs, sandy bottoms, and nutrient-rich waters. Dunkleosteus thrived in this unique environment, using its powerful jaws to find food and survive.

Evolution of Dunkleosteus

Dunkleosteus was a fascinating creature that lived long ago, but to understand its evolution, we must go back even further in time. Millions of years ago, the Earth was a very different place. It was filled with ancient fish that looked very different from the fish we see today. These fish had hard plates on their bodies called armor, which helped protect them from predators.

Over time, some of these armored fish began to change. One group of fish, called placoderms, started to develop a different kind of armor. They developed plates that covered their heads and jaws, giving them a strong and powerful bite. This was the beginning of the Dunkleosteus lineage.

As the years passed, Dunkleosteus continued to evolve. Its armor plates became thicker and stronger, allowing it to have one of the most powerful bites of any creature that has ever lived. Its jaws were filled with razor-sharp teeth that could easily crush through the shells of other animals. Dunkleosteus was a top predator in the ancient seas, using its massive size and powerful jaws to hunt and dominate its surroundings.

In summary, Dunkleosteus evolved from a group called placoderms, which were ancient fish with armor plates. Over time, Dunkleosteus developed thicker and stronger armor plates, as well as a powerful bite and sharp teeth. This allowed it to become a dominant predator in the ancient seas. Dunkleosteus’ evolution is a fascinating example of how animals can change and adapt over time to survive in their environments.

Classification of Dunkleosteus

Dunkleosteus is an ancient marine creature that lived around 380 million years ago, during a time called the Late Devonian period. This remarkable animal belongs to the group of prehistoric fishes known as placoderms. Placoderms were a diverse group of armored fish that had a bony head and a powerful jaw. Dunkleosteus, in particular, was one of the largest placoderms and is often considered one of the top predators of its time.

Classifying Dunkleosteus can be a bit tricky because it is an extinct animal. Scientists use a system called taxonomy to classify living and extinct organisms. Based on its characteristics, Dunkleosteus falls into the following classification:
– Kingdom: Animalia (it belongs to the animal kingdom)
– Phylum: Chordata (it has a notochord, a characteristic that determines its place in this phylum)
– Class: Placodermi (it is a type of armored fish)
– Order: Arthrodira (it had jointed armor plates that protected its body)
– Family: Dunkleosteidae (it is part of a specific family)
– Genus: Dunkleosteus (it is the only known genus in the family Dunkleosteidae)
– Species: There are different species within the genus Dunkleosteus, such as Dunkleosteus terrelli and Dunkleosteus marsaisi, based on their unique characteristics.

Dunkleosteus, with its massive size and fearsome appearance, dominated the ancient seas. Although it is now extinct, its classification helps us understand its place in the animal kingdom and its evolutionary relationships with other organisms. By studying fossils and using taxonomy, scientists can continue to unravel the mysteries of this incredible creature from the past.

How did Dunkleosteus Extinct?

Dunkleosteus was a prehistoric fish that lived many millions of years ago. It was an incredibly strong and fearsome creature, with a huge head and a powerful bite. But sadly, Dunkleosteus is no longer here with us today. It is believed that a number of factors led to the extinction of this incredible animal.

One reason is that the environment where Dunkleosteus lived began to change. The Earth’s climate went through big changes, and this affected the oceans where Dunkleosteus lived. The water became colder, and this made it harder for the fish to survive. They were not able to adapt to these new conditions, and their numbers began to decline.

Another reason is competition for food. Dunkleosteus was a carnivore, meaning it ate other animals. As the climate changed, the number of other fish and sea creatures also decreased. This meant that there was less food available for Dunkleosteus. They had to compete with other predators to find enough to eat, and this became more and more difficult over time.

Finally, it is also believed that overfishing played a part in the extinction of Dunkleosteus. Humans have been fishing for a very long time, and even back then, people needed food from the sea. Dunkleosteus was a big and valuable fish, so people would have caught a lot of them. As the population of Dunkleosteus decreased, their chances of survival got even slimmer.

In conclusion, Dunkleosteus became extinct due to a combination of factors. The changing environment, competition for food, and overfishing all played a role in the decline of this powerful fish. It serves as a reminder that even the mightiest creatures can disappear if they are not able to adapt to the changes happening around them.

Geographical Presence of Dunkleosteus

The Dunkleosteus animal lived a very long time ago, during a period called the Devonian. In this period, which was about 400 million years ago, the Dunkleosteus lived in what is now known as the region of North America. Specifically, it could be found in bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and seas in what is now Canada and the United States.

However, it is important to note that the Dunkleosteus is not found in this region anymore. This is because the Dunkleosteus went extinct a very long time ago, around 360 million years ago. So, nowadays, you won’t be able to see a Dunkleosteus in the rivers, lakes, or seas of North America.

Instead, if you want to learn more about the Dunkleosteus and see its remains, you will need to visit a museum or an exhibition. Fossils of the Dunkleosteus have been found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, and Australia. So, if you are curious about this interesting prehistoric animal, you may have a chance to see its fossils in these places.

In summary, the Dunkleosteus is an ancient animal that lived in the region of North America during the Devonian period, around 400 million years ago. However, it is no longer found in this region or anywhere else in the world because it went extinct a very long time ago. If you want to see the remains of the Dunkleosteus, you can visit museums and exhibitions around the world where its fossils are displayed.

Scientific Name of Dunkleosteus

The scientific name of the prehistoric animal known as Dunkleosteus is Dunkleosteus terrelli. This animal lived approximately 358-382 million years ago, during a time period known as the Late Devonian. Dunkleosteus was a large, predatory fish that ruled the seas before dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

Dunkleosteus terrelli was a fascinating creature with a fearsome appearance. It had a long body covered in tough, bony armor plates to protect it from harm. With its powerful jaws, Dunkleosteus could bite down with tremendous force, making it one of the top predators of its time. Its mouth was filled with sharp, razor-like teeth, which it used to crush and devour its prey.

Although Dunkleosteus is no longer alive today, scientists have learned a lot about this ancient animal through the examination of fossils found around the world. These fossils have provided valuable insights into the lives of these incredible creatures that once lived in our oceans. By studying Dunkleosteus and other prehistoric animals, scientists can better understand the diversity and evolution of life on Earth.

Diet of Dunkleosteus

The Dunkleosteus was a fascinating creature that used to live in the oceans a long time ago. Even though we can’t talk about the Dunkleosteus, we can discuss what it liked to eat. They were some of the biggest fish in the sea, and their diet was mostly made up of smaller fish, like sharks, and squids. They were really good at catching their prey due to their powerful jaws and sharp teeth.

The Dunkleosteus had a mouth full of strong, sharp, bony plates called denticles. They had two sets of jaws, one in their throat and the other in their normal mouth. They would open their mouth wide and create a strong suction, pulling their prey into their throat jaws where it couldn’t escape. Then they would crush and chew it with their mouth jaws. This type of eating made it easy for them to catch and eat their food quickly. Dunkleosteus had to eat a lot since they were so big; they needed all that food to survive.

Their diet was extremely important for their survival. They used to live in a time where there was not a lot of food available. Dunkleosteus had to be fast and ruthless hunters to catch enough food to keep themselves alive. They were truly amazing creatures, and it’s very interesting to learn about their eating habits and how they managed to survive in their underwater world.

Locomotion of Dunkleosteus

Dunkleosteus, an ancient marine animal, had an interesting way of moving around underwater. It used its powerful tail to propel itself through the water. The tail had a large fin that helped Dunkleosteus swim fast and smoothly.

When Dunkleosteus wanted to go up or down in the water, it had to rely on its pectoral fins. These fins were like small wings on its sides. By moving these fins up and down, Dunkleosteus could control its depth in the water.

Overall, Dunkleosteus had a unique way of locomotion. It used its strong tail for speed and its pectoral fins for direction. It was adapted well to its environment and had evolved efficient ways of getting around in the underwater world.

Social and Sexual Behaviour of Dunkleosteus

Dunkleosteus is an ancient animal that lived in the oceans millions of years ago. When it comes to social behavior, scientists believe that Dunkleosteus was probably a solitary creature. This means that it preferred to live and hunt alone instead of being part of a group or community. It is believed that Dunkleosteus had no need for social interactions as it was a powerful predator that could hunt and defend itself on its own.

Moving on to its sexual behavior, scientists have limited information about this aspect of Dunkleosteus. Since it was likely a solitary animal, it is believed that Dunkleosteus did not engage in elaborate courtship rituals like some animals do today. Instead, it probably relied on simple reproductive methods like egg-laying or internal fertilization to reproduce.

In conclusion, Dunkleosteus was most likely a loner when it came to its social behavior. As for its sexual behavior, scientists still have much to learn and understand due to the limited information available. Nonetheless, it is fascinating to study and imagine the ways in which this ancient creature lived and interacted in its underwater world.

Reproduction and Lifecycle of Dunkleosteus

Dunkleosteus, an ancient and fascinating creature, had a unique life cycle and reproduction process. Let’s explore how this incredible animal reproduced and grew.

The reproduction of Dunkleosteus involved external fertilization, in which the female laid her eggs and the male released his sperm to fertilize them. Once the female was ready to lay her eggs, she deposited them in a safe place, such as sand or a protected area in the water. While Dunkleosteus did not care for or protect their eggs, they laid a large number of them to increase the chances of survival for at least some of the offspring.

The life cycle of Dunkleosteus began with the hatching of the eggs. The newborn Dunkleosteus, called fry, had a relatively small size compared to adults. These fry had to fend for themselves since they did not receive any care from their parents. As they grew, they went through various stages of development, shedding their skin and growing larger with each molt. Over time, the fry transformed into juveniles and, after many years, eventually reached adulthood.

The adult Dunkleosteus were massive and powerful predators, ruling the ancient oceans. Their life span is estimated to have been around 20-25 years. As adults, they continued to molt their cartilaginous outer skeletons throughout their lives, allowing them to grow larger and stronger. However, despite their incredible size and strength, Dunkleosteus eventually faced extinction, disappearing from the Earth around 360 million years ago. We can only imagine the wonders this ancient creature witnessed during its lifetime.

Threats to Dunkleosteus

Dunkleosteus was a prehistoric creature that lived in the ancient oceans about 380 million years ago. While it is no longer alive today, it faced several threats that contributed to its extinction. These threats can teach us about the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting our planet’s ecosystems.

One of the main threats Dunkleosteus faced was a changing environment. Over time, the oceans changed, and the climate became colder. This meant that the food sources for Dunkleosteus, such as smaller fish and marine animals, became scarce. With less food available, Dunkleosteus had a harder time surviving and reproducing, ultimately leading to its extinction.

Another threat to Dunkleosteus was competition. As other species evolved and adapted to the changing environment, they also competed for the same resources Dunkleosteus relied on. This increased competition put further pressure on Dunkleosteus, making it even more difficult for the species to survive.

Lastly, the overhunting of Dunkleosteus by larger predators may have contributed to its decline. Since Dunkleosteus was a massive creature, it was likely a target for larger predatory species. Being hunted by these predators further reduced the number of Dunkleosteus individuals, negatively impacting their populations.

In summary, Dunkleosteus faced several threats, including a changing environment, increased competition for food resources, and overhunting by larger predators. These factors ultimately led to its extinction. Understanding the threats Dunkleosteus faced reminds us of the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems.

Population of Dunkleosteus

The population of Dunkleosteus animal, which lived around 358 million years ago, is not known for certain. However, scientists estimate that there were probably quite a few of them swimming in the ancient oceans. Based on the fossils found, it is believed that Dunkleosteus was a successful predator and occupied a significant ecological niche in its time.

Sadly, the Dunkleosteus is now extinct. It is believed that its extinction occurred around 360 million years ago during a mass extinction event that wiped out many other species as well. This event, known as the Late Devonian extinction, was caused by a combination of factors such as climate change, decreases in oxygen levels, and the rise of new competitors. These changes in the environment likely made it difficult for Dunkleosteus to survive, leading to its eventual extinction.

Although Dunkleosteus is now gone, its fossils provide scientists with valuable insights into the ancient world and help us understand the diversity of life that existed during that time. Studying these fossils allows us to learn about the evolution of different organisms and the ecological dynamics that shaped our planet’s history.

Conclusion

In the deep waters of ancient oceans, there once lived a fearsome creature known as Dunkleosteus. This massive fish-like animal swam the seas over 360 million years ago during the Late Devonian period. Dunkleosteus was a fascinating animal, with its massive size, unique appearance, and powerful jaws.

One of the most remarkable things about Dunkleosteus was its enormous size. It could reach lengths of up to 33 feet and weight around 4 tons, making it one of the largest predators of its time. With its sharp bony plates for armor and sharp teeth, it was a formidable predator, capable of feasting on smaller fish and even other Dunkleosteus.

Dunkleosteus’ habitat was mainly in the shallow tropical seas, where it roamed for food. Its unique shape and strong jaws allowed it to crunch through shells and devour its prey whole. While Dunkleosteus may have been extinct for millions of years, its fossils teach us about the incredible diversity of animal life that once existed on our planet.

In conclusion, Dunkleosteus was a massive prehistoric predator that ruled the ancient seas. Its remarkable size, fearsome appearance, and powerful jaws made it an apex predator of its time. Although it no longer exists today, the fossils of Dunkleosteus provide us with valuable insights into the fascinating world of animals that roamed our planet millions of years ago.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dunkleosteus (FAQ’s)

Q: What is Dunkleosteus?
A: Dunkleosteus is an extinct genus of heavily armored fish that lived during the Late Devonian period.

Q: When did Dunkleosteus live?
A: Dunkleosteus lived approximately 358-382 million years ago.

Q: What was the size of Dunkleosteus?
A: Dunkleosteus could grow up to 33 feet long, making it one of the largest predators of its time.

Q: Where did Dunkleosteus live?
A: Dunkleosteus lived in the oceans that covered much of the Earth during the Devonian period.

Q: What did Dunkleosteus eat?
A: Dunkleosteus was a carnivore and fed on other fish and marine organisms.

Q: How did Dunkleosteus catch its prey?
A: Dunkleosteus had a large mouth filled with sharp, bony plates that it used to snap its jaws shut on unsuspecting prey.

Q: Could Dunkleosteus move quickly?
A: Despite its large size, Dunkleosteus was a fast swimmer, thanks to its streamlined body.

Q: How did Dunkleosteus defend itself?
A: Dunkleosteus had a heavily armored head and body, which provided protection against predators.

Q: Did Dunkleosteus have any predators?
A: It is believed that Dunkleosteus had few natural predators due to its formidable armor and size.

Q: Can Dunkleosteus be considered a fish?
A: Yes, Dunkleosteus is classified as a fish due to its characteristics such as gills, fins, and scales.

Q: Is Dunkleosteus related to any modern species?
A: Dunkleosteus is not directly related to any modern species; it belongs to an extinct lineage.

Q: How were Dunkleosteus fossils discovered?
A: Dunkleosteus fossils were first discovered in Europe and later in North America, by paleontologists studying ancient rock formations.

Q: What is the significance of Dunkleosteus fossils?
A: Dunkleosteus fossils have provided valuable insights into the evolution of ancient fish and the marine ecosystem of the Devonian period.

Q: Can we find complete Dunkleosteus skeletons?
A: Complete Dunkleosteus skeletons are rare, but partial fossils and individual bones have been found and studied.

Q: How did Dunkleosteus become extinct?
A: The exact reason for the extinction of Dunkleosteus is unclear, but it is believed to be related to environmental changes during the Late Devonian period, such as climate change and reduced food availability.

Q: Are there any related species to Dunkleosteus?
A: Other genera of armored fish, such as Titanichthys and Coccosteus, are considered to be related to Dunkleosteus.

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