What factor related to Xenoceratops's size necessitated an efficient method of initial plant breakdown by the beak?
Answer
Estimated weight over 2 tons requiring substantial daily raw material
Xenoceratops was an extremely large animal, estimated to weigh over 2 tons and stretch about 20 feet long. Maintaining such massive bulk requires a huge daily caloric intake, meaning a substantial amount of raw plant material had to be consumed regularly. Because the subsequent internal digestive stages are complex and time-consuming (relying on fermentation), the initial step of processing—handling the sheer volume of bulk foliage—had to be managed by an extremely efficient mechanism. This efficiency was provided by the cutting and shearing action of the parrot-like beak.
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