What structural requirement is noted for the maxilla and mandible to resist cracking under high impact stress?
Answer
Thick bone walls
The act of crushing thick, weight-bearing bones requires the transmission of substantial force, which in turn places immense impact stress on the feeding apparatus. To successfully resist cracking or failure under this high stress, the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw) of Epicyon haydeni must possess thick bone walls. This necessary density directly contributes to the overall size and bulk observed in the skull structure.
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