What type of pursuit strategy did the powerful build of *E. haydeni* suggest, unlike long-distance chasing?
Answer
Ambush predation or highly efficient scavenging
The physical adaptations of *Epicyon haydeni*, characterized by its massive size and heavy muscle favoring strength over speed, indicate that it was not optimized for the marathon chases characteristic of modern large canids like the gray wolf. Instead, its power suggests a strategy relying on immediate, overwhelming force. This points toward ambush predation, where quick, powerful strikes secure a meal, or highly efficient scavenging, where the ability to quickly dispatch rivals or break open carcasses was paramount. This contrasts with the generalist success story of the later *Canis* genus, which favors endurance.
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