How does the text contrast the African lion's bite optimization with the inferred strategy of Epicyon?
Answer
The lion's bite is optimized for suffocating large prey via a throat grip.
While the African lion possesses significant bone-crushing capacity, its bite optimization is presented as being focused on achieving a throat grip to suffocate large prey, which is an application of force geared towards rapid incapacitation through asphyxiation. This contrasts with Epicyon, whose entire anatomy, particularly its robust molars and cranial structure, suggests a specialization for applying intense, targeted compressive force designed to fracture bone and access marrow rather than relying on strangulation techniques.
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