What specific term describes the maturation of the jaw structure in P. leopoldi allowing consumption of hard-shelled prey?
Answer
Durophagy
A key morphological adaptation linked to the diet of the Xingu River Ray involves the development of its jaw structure, a process specifically termed durophagy. This adaptation results in the jaws becoming notably more rigid and stronger as the ray matures. The resulting enhanced biting power grants mature individuals a significant competitive edge by enabling them to successfully consume difficult food items, such as hard-shelled prey like freshwater snails and crabs, which are inaccessible to other local organisms.
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