What specific external covering did *Xiphactinus* lack, suggesting a prioritization of maneuverability?
Answer
Scales
*Xiphactinus* is documented as being distinct from many contemporaries because it completely lacked scales. In the environment of ancient fish, scales often provided significant armor or protection against physical damage. The absence of this dermal armor in *Xiphactinus* strongly suggests that evolutionary pressures favored characteristics such as speed, quick maneuverability, or relying on sheer overwhelming size to dominate prey, rather than relying on heavy physical shielding. This lack of scales is an important anatomical detail differentiating it within the Mesozoic marine ecosystem.
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