In which ancient North American marine environment did Xiphactinus function as a dominant apex hunter?
Answer
The Western Interior Seaway
Xiphactinus was a defining predator within the Western Interior Seaway, a vast ancient body of water that once bisected North America during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 85 million years ago. The abundance of its fossils across marine deposits in this region confirms its success and widespread dominance within that specific Cretaceous ecosystem. Its physical profile—combining speed adaptations with heavy armor—allowed it to effectively exploit the ecological niche of an apex marine hunter in these ancient waters.
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