How did the development of ecosystems in South America compare to northern continents during this period?
Answer
South America developed distinct ecosystems due to continental isolation
The Late Cretaceous South America, where *Xenotarsosaurus* lived, was geographically separated from the northern continents, leading to a critical evolutionary divergence. This isolation meant that South America developed distinct, unique ecosystems. In contrast to the northern continents, where Tyrannosaurids rose to prominence, the southern landmass favored local lineages, particularly the Abelisauroids, resulting in different anatomical solutions for large predatory roles. The presence of *Xenotarsosaurus* helps illustrate this independent evolutionary experimentation driven by geographic separation.
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