What functional role did the legs of *Patagotitan* essentially have to perform to support its structure?
Answer
Functioning as living, mobile pillars
The immense mass estimated for *Patagotitan*, around 69 metric tons, placed extreme demands on its skeletal system, particularly its limbs. A creature of this size would have experienced internal pressures and required structural support far beyond that seen in any modern mammal. To manage this extraordinary load, the legs were compelled to operate structurally akin to massive, living, mobile pillars. This biomechanical requirement suggests a specialized skeletal architecture unlike contemporary life forms, perfectly adapted for vertical load bearing.
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