What characteristic suggests Xiphactinus had a highly specialized oral structure for consumption?
Answer
Its ability to achieve a maximum gape for a 'one-gulp kill'
The consistent evidence pointing toward swallowing prey whole, often involving bulky items, suggests a highly specialized adaptation in the oral structure of Xiphactinus. This adaptation enabled the predator to maximize its gape significantly, facilitating the rapid ingestion of prey—the 'one-gulp kill' strategy. This efficient method avoided the complications associated with crushing large, struggling fish or tearing them apart, implying a skull structure potentially more kinetic than its contemporaries.
Related Questions
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