Based on biomechanical analysis, what type of force application does the *Gastornis* beak structure primarily indicate, contrasting with a raptor's bite?
Answer
High compression
The evidence points toward a specialization in high compressive load necessary for crushing hard materials, as opposed to the shear strength required for tearing and penetrating flesh.
Related Questions
During which geological era did the extinct bird *Gastornis* roam the Earth?What maximum approximate length could the enormous beak of some *Gastornis* specimens reach?What was the long-held, initial assumption regarding the predatory capabilities of *Gastornis* based on its beak size?What is the strong consensus among many researchers regarding the primary diet of *Gastornis* today?What mechanical function was the robust, deep structure of the *Gastornis* beak found to be optimized for?The morphology of the *Gastornis* beak was deemed ill-suited for the mechanical action required for what type of feeding?Besides the beak, what other organ did *Gastornis* rely on entirely for food processing, given its lack of teeth?What factor related to its large body size made a highly energetic hunting lifestyle difficult for *Gastornis* to sustain?Based on biomechanical analysis, what type of force application does the *Gastornis* beak structure primarily indicate, contrasting with a raptor's bite?The mechanical action implied by *Gastornis* processing large seeds is best compared to what type of force application?