What evolutionary concept does *Xenoceratops*'s ornamentation suggest?
Answer
Regressive evolution concerning elaborate frill spikes
The morphology of *Xenoceratops*, particularly its blunt or knobbed frill ornamentation compared to the often highly exaggerated spikes of other Centrosaurines, raises questions about the trajectory of evolutionary change within that subfamily. Instead of a continuous, linear increase in complexity over time, the unique features suggest an alternative pathway. One specific possibility considered is *regressive evolution* concerning those elaborate spikes, meaning this particular lineage may have developed simpler ornamentation compared to its relatives. This challenges the assumption that skull features in this group always evolve toward greater elaboration.
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