What forms of insects were likely targeted by Xenacanthus feeding activity?
Answer
Larval stages or fallen terrestrial insects.
Evidence suggests that insects contributed to the overall diet of Xenacanthus, fitting its profile as an opportunistic feeder in a restricted environment. Since this shark was generally adapted to bottom-dwelling or methodical foraging in shallow waters, the most accessible insect prey would have been either the larval stages already present in the sediment or water column, or terrestrial insects that had accidentally fallen onto the water surface. These accessible targets would have required minimal energy expenditure to capture compared to actively hunting fast-moving fish.
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