What anatomical feature, often seen in obligately aquatic animals, was found to be inconclusive or lacking in Arsinoitherium?
Answer
Splayed toes or paddle-like feet optimized for propulsion in water
When assessing an animal's commitment to an aquatic lifestyle, paleontologists look for specific morphological adaptations in the limbs and feet. Truly amphibious or fully aquatic creatures often display splayed toes or feet shaped like paddles to aid in propulsion through water or to spread weight effectively on very deep, soft mud. For Arsinoitherium, while it had a wide stance that might offer some stability in soft substrates, analyses indicated that its foot structure was not definitively optimized for deep wading or swimming in the manner expected of a true amphibious resident, leading to inconclusive evidence regarding deep aquatic commitment.
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