What role did the abundant forage in the water's edge ecosystem likely play for Arsinoitherium?
Answer
It provided superior forage and relief from the Eocene sun's heat
While the physical evidence might argue against Arsinoitherium being fully aquatic, its specialization in wetland environments was undoubtedly beneficial for survival. The water's edge, including margins of rivers and swamps, offered access to superior, lush forage—water-loving vegetation—that supported its large body mass. Furthermore, given the sheer bulk of the animal, which could predispose it to overheating, utilizing the proximity of water sources for cooling off and seeking relief from the intense heat of the Eocene sun provided significant ecological advantages, even if it did not swim.
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