What critical cranial function did most **enantiornithes** typically lack in contrast to later avian lineages?
Answer
Cranial kinesis
The group known as the **enantiornithes** represented the most successful lineage of toothed birds throughout the Mesozoic era, yet they displayed several key anatomical differences from modern birds. One of the most significant divergences was their general lack of cranial kinesis. Cranial kinesis is the specialized ability of the beak to flex independently relative to the skull, a feature modern birds utilize to achieve a wider gape for feeding or for delivering faster bites. The absence of this feature in enantiornithines suggests a different mechanism for food manipulation.
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