What characteristic of Early Cretaceous conifers posed a nutritional challenge?
Answer
Tough, resinous, or silica-rich tissues
The flora available during the Early Cretaceous period included tough gymnosperms like conifers and cycads. These plants often possess tissues that are inherently difficult to process due to their toughness, the presence of chemical defenses, or high concentrations of silica and resins. This low-quality, high-fiber nature of the dominant vegetation meant that Xenoposeidon required its large digestive capacity simply to process the physical bulk, making consumption time a significant part of its daily routine.
Related Questions
To which clade does Xenoposeidon belong, distinct from titanosaurs?What feeding function is inferred from the peg-like dentition of Xenoposeidon?What was the primary mechanism for nutrient extraction in Xenoposeidon?What characteristic of Early Cretaceous conifers posed a nutritional challenge?What feeding strategy did Xenoposeidon likely use across its vertical feeding range?What was the role of swallowed stones, known as gastroliths, in Xenoposeidon?What necessity drove Xenoposeidon's feeding behavior regarding ingestion rate?How did the initial processing by Xenoposeidon's teeth compare to brachiosaurids?How did Xenoposeidon's vertical neck flexibility compare to brachiosaurs?What group of plants dominated the Early Cretaceous environment where Xenoposeidon lived?