What anatomical constraint reinforces the conclusion about Xiongguanlong's diet specialization?
Answer
Adaptations for less extreme bite forces compared to its descendants
The structure of the skull and jaw in basal tyrannosauroids like Xiongguanlong often exhibits adaptations for less extreme bite forces when measured against their later descendants. This anatomical constraint strongly supports the conclusion drawn from its size—that its hunting was specialized for smaller targets. Attempting to prey on the largest herbivores with underdeveloped extreme bite force capabilities would have carried a significant risk of injury or failure due to the mass and potential protective armor of such large prey items.
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