What was the likely primary defense mechanism for the small herbivore *Xiaosaurus* in the Lufeng Basin?
Answer
Evasion
Considering the ecological context of the Early Jurassic Lufeng Basin, *Xiaosaurus* occupied the lowest trophic level as a small herbivore existing alongside potentially massive predators. Given its lack of fossil evidence for heavy armor, its survival strategy would have relied heavily on minimizing encounters or escaping quickly. Therefore, its primary defense mechanism would have been evasion, necessitating traits like speed, agility, or the ability to remain concealed within dense undergrowth to avoid detection or capture by contemporary carnivores.
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