What is the most defining characteristic of *Xiongguanlong*'s skull morphology?
Answer
Elongated, relatively slender snout
The cranial architecture of *Xiongguanlong* is its most distinguishing feature when compared to its large descendants. Unlike the heavily reinforced skulls and robust jaws that later tyrannosaurs, such as *T. rex*, evolved for maximum bite force to crush bone, *Xiongguanlong* possessed a skull described as proportionally long and narrow, featuring an elongated and relatively slender snout. This distinct head shape suggests an evolutionary divergence in predatory methods. Such morphology is hypothesized to have been better suited for quick, precise striking maneuvers, potentially targeting smaller, faster-moving prey within dense environments.
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