How did the brow horns of Xenoceratops compare functionally and morphologically to its nasal horn?
Answer
Brow horns were either small or entirely absent while the nasal horn was large and robust.
In Xenoceratops, there is a distinct emphasis on the nasal structure. The text indicates that the nasal horn was large and robust, suggesting it was a primary feature of its display apparatus. Conversely, the brow horns, which are characteristic features in later forms like Triceratops, were either significantly reduced in size or completely absent in Xenoceratops. This configuration supports the idea that the reduction or modification of brow horns in favor of a stronger nasal display was an early branching evolutionary pattern established within the Centrosaurinae subfamily.
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