What mechanical necessity is implied by the deep, powerful body shape and robust tail fin of *Xiphactinus*?
Answer
Bursts of speed propelled by a robust tail fin
The described body structure of *Xiphactinus*—deep, powerful, and equipped with a robust tail fin—points directly toward a lifestyle requiring high mobility and rapid acceleration. This morphology is optimized for generating bursts of speed, essential for an active hunter that needed to ambush or pursue fast-moving prey within the open waters of the seaway. Unlike bottom-dwellers, *Xiphactinus*'s design suggests that its predatory success relied heavily on its ability to quickly close the distance on its targets through powerful propulsion.
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